Bergsvand own goal gifts Everton victory over Brighton

A Karen Holmgaard header and an own goal by Guro Bergsvand helped Everton secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton and pick up a welcome three points in the Women’s Super League.

Holmgaard’s 61st-minute goal was quickly cancelled out by Tatiana Pinto’s opportunistic equaliser but The Toffees snapped a five-game losing streak after Bergsvand put the ball in her own net.

The result moved Everton above Leicester and into ninth on 18 points, behind Brighton only on goal difference.

It was a game of few chances that was goalless at the break. Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland had the best opportunity of the first half but Everton ‘keeper Courtney Brosnan was equal to the task.

The deadlock was eventually broken just after the hour mark when the Holmgaard twins combined for the visitors.

Sara Holmgaard floated a ball into the back post for her sister Karen to head past Sophie Baggaley.

But the lead lasted less than three minutes after Brosnan failed to keep hold of Maisie Symonds’ free-kick and Pinto reacted quickest to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

The Toffees would not be denied, though. Confusion in the Brighton defence was pounced on by Everton’s Aurora Galli before Bergsvand bundled the ball into her own net.

The consolation for The Seagulls is that their place in the WSL is all but assured. Barring a run of unexpected results, both Brighton and Everton will remain in the top flight next season.

Everton host third-place Arsenal next, shortly before Brighton travel to Tottenham.

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