Everton Women kept their Continental Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Walton Hall Park on Wednesday.
Izzy Christiansen scored the only goal of the game midway through the first period after Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah caused problems in behind.
Boye-Hlorkah - raised in Anfield - managed to square the ball to former Manchester City and Lyon midfielder Christiansen to slot home after sloppy defending from Liverpool.
17-year-old debutant Grace Clinton then had a glorious opportunity to double the lead for Everton but she placed wide of Rylee Foster’s post.
Rachel Furness had an opportunity to level proceedings towards the end of the half and Liverpool - a division below Everton in the Women’s Championship after relegation last term - continued to threaten from set-pieces following the break.
Substitute Hayley Raso was denied by a stunning save from Foster late on after good work from Nicoline Sorensen and despite half-chances at both ends it was Everton who took all three points.
Everton and Liverpool now have three points apiece in the Continental Cup - comparable to the Carbao Cup in the male game - but the Blues have one game left to play against Manchester United.
United wrote to the FA this week after expressing frustration at how the fixture was earlier rearranged due to concerns around the Everton stadium at Walton Hall Park.
The Red Devils face local rivals Manchester City - who defeated Everton in the opening Group C game - today.
United lost their opening game to Liverpool at Prenton Park.
