The Merseyside Derby got Matchweek 16 of the WSL underway, as Everton welcomed local rivals Liverpool to Goodison Park.
The two sides met back in September for the return fixture, with the Toffees coming away with a comfortable three-goal win. With Matt Beard’s side just six points behind their neighbours, could the Reds find a pivotal three points?
Starting XIs
Everton
Brosnan; Veje, Sevecke, Bjorn, George (c), Wheeler, Park, Sorensen, Beever-Jones, Finnigan, Snoeijs.
Liverpool
Laws; Koivisto, Bonner, Robe, Campbell, Hinds, Nagano, Holland, Kearns, Daniels, Stengel.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow it went
From the off, the tie promised all the drama of a derby. With early chances for both sides, the game felt far more balanced than the earlier meeting between the teams.
Just 27 minutes in, Gabby George found the opener for the hosts. The No.6’s spectacular effort flew into the top corner out of Rachel Law’s reach. However, it wouldn’t be long before the red half of Merseyside would find a reply.
Katie Stengel’s 40th-minute tally provided her side a route back into the tie. The American international’s left-footed strike from 12 yards out saw Courtney Brosnan unable to get a hand to the ball.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half brought more excitement as well as some controversy. The referee disallowed Leanne Robe’s 52nd-minute goal from a corner for a foul on the Everton goalkeeper. Replays appeared to show that the goal should have stood as no contact was evident.
Then, 25 minutes later, the hosts also had a goal ruled out. Jess Park’s strike was disallowed after a handball by the No.11 in the build-up to the goal. Several excellent saves from both keepers kept the tie level with the points shared.
Up next
Everton will next host Tottenham before travelling to face Brighton. Liverpool will face West Ham away before hosting the Seagulls at Prenton Park.
