Everton bowed out of the Women’s FA Cup after a controversial 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at the BrewDog Stadium.
Mia Endeby broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, before Beata Olsson doubled Liverpool’s advantage on the stroke of half-time. Controversy surrounded the goal, which stood despite strong appeals that she had used her hand to control the ball.
The Blues found a glimmer of hope in the 72nd minute when Aurora Galli’s effort struck the post and ricocheted in off goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. Despite late pressure, Everton were unable to find the decisive equaliser to force the tie into extra time.
Following a cagey start to the contest, Ruby Mace made a vital intervention to clear Jenna Clark’s dangerous delivery across the face of goal, covering superbly for Courtney Brosnan after the goalkeeper had dived and left her net exposed.
Everton responded just after the 25-minute mark, but Yuka Momiki dragged a 20-yard effort wide of the near post.
The breakthrough came ten minutes later as Liverpool capitalised on a swift counter-attack. Ceri Holland picked out Endeby at the back post with a pinpoint cross, and she headed home.
Matters worsened just before half-time when Olsson squeezed in Holland’s delivery at the near post – a goal that stood despite strong appeals for handball.
Brosnan kept the deficit to a minimum in the second half with a brilliant reaction save in the 54th minute to deny Clark, parrying away the defender’s half-volley.
Everton continued with greater intent, and Inma Gabarro came agonisingly close to halving the deficit, only for Falk to produce a superb fingertip save.
The pressure eventually told in the 72nd minute when substitute Aurora Galli saw her effort strike the post and ricochet in off Falk to give the Blues hope.
With ten minutes remaining, Hikaru Kitagawa forced another save from Falk with a deflected attempt.
Despite a renewed sense of purpose and a late barrage of attacks, Everton were unable to find the decisive equaliser to force extra time.
The Blues now turn their attention back to the Women’s Super League, travelling to London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 15 March, as they look to extend their three-game unbeaten run in the league.
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