Everton and Liverpool end goalless after cagey Merseyside derby in WSL, Tottenham beat Bristol City

Everton and Liverpool shared the spoils in a cagey Women’s Super League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The lunchtime clash lacked much of the intensity one would normally associate with a match between two local rivals.

Matt Beard’s visitors shaded a first half that saw The Toffees fail to register a single shot on target, but arguably had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Emma Bissell’s speculative strike skirted across the side netting.

The only chance of note inside the opening half hour came when Leanne Kiernan’s speculative long-range strike missed the target by some distance.

Toffees goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan receive treatment twice before the interval – the second time after a collision with Ceri Holland, who picked up a booking for the challenge.

Another delay ensued with Holland also needing treatment following the clash amid the backdrop of a very quiet crowd.

The intensity from both sides increased after the break with The Toffees going within inches of opening the scoring when Lucy Hope’s long-range effort cannoned off the crossbar.

Heather Payne was starting to cause issues for the Liverpool defence down the right-hand side with a dangerous ball from the right, but was unable to pick out Katja Snoeijs in the middle.

Justine Vanhaevermaet then forced Reds keeper Rachael Laws into a save with a stinging long-range effort, as Everton searched for that ultimately elusive opener.

Holland had a chance to net a late winner for Liverpool after racing through on goal, but her sliding attempt was scrambled behind by the Everton defence in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, The Toffees’ wait for a first win this month continues in a result which lifts Brian Sorensen’s side at least temporarily up into ninth.

Tottenham edge out Bristol City

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur consolidated their position in sixth with a 1-0 win over table-propping Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Bethany England scored the only decisive goal of the match when she latched onto Grace Clinton’s cross and applied a close-range finish past Fran Bentley at her near post.

Spurs began confidently and had a chance to extend their lead through Amanda Nilden, while Ella Powell fired straight at Rebecca Spencer down the other end in a one-v-one opportunity.

But it was the North Londoners who were dominating proceedings without applying the finishing touch – typified when Jessica Naz shot wide after being picked out by England.

Spencer almost gifted the hosts a route back into the contest after the break when she spilled a corner before quickly reclaiming the ball.

Further chances fell to Drew Spence and England as the match progressed, but Robert Vilahamn’s side could not build on their lead and claimed a narrow win.

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