Match reportLiverpool beaten by Everton at Anfield in WSL Merseyside derby

The Reds' home schedule in the 2024-25 season ended in defeat after goals in either half from Katja Snoeijs and Karen Holmgaard.

The hosts dominated the encounter and created numerous opportunities to salvage something from it – but they were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.

Prior to kick-off, there were special tributes to four players bidding farewell to the club in the summer, with presentations made to Yana Daniels, Jasmine Matthews, Teagan Micah and the retiring Niamh Fahey.

When the action did get under way, it was the blue corner that landed the first blow, pouncing on a turnover inside the Liverpool half to take a seventh-minute lead.

Snoeijs intercepted Marie Höbinger's pass and played a one-two with Kelly Gago before tucking the ball into the left corner of the Kop-end net.

The Reds threatened a response in the remainder of the first half via deliveries into the Everton penalty area. A Sophie Roman Haug header from Fuka Nagano's cross found the hands of Brosnan six minutes after the opener.

But it was a Taylor Hinds strike from around 25 yards that brought them closest to entering the break level, the full-back's dipping hit being tipped onto the crossbar by Brosnan.

Liverpool's encouraging return from the dressing room – Höbinger and then Olivia Smith forcing Brosnan into a pair of interventions early on – was in vain as the visitors doubled their advantage with 69 minutes on the clock.

Toni Payne ended a charge down the left flank with a cross towards the back post, where Karen Holmgaard was stationed to apply the finishing touch, despite the best efforts of Gemma Bonner on the goalline.

Amber Whiteley's side pressed hard for a route back into the game after Everton had defender Sara Holmgaard sent off, for a second yellow card, for the final 10 minutes.

The typically lively Smith was agonisingly close with a bending effort in stoppage time as the Reds' task proved to be too much.

Team

Liverpool: Laws, Clark (Fahey, 86), Fisk, Bonner, Hinds, Kerr, Nagano (Bartel, 86), Höbinger, Holland, Smith, Roman H. (Kapocs, 68).

Unused subs: Micah, Kirby, Evans, Matthews, Enderby, Daniels.

Next up

Liverpool conclude their campaign on the road next weekend (May 10) with a trip to champions Chelsea.

That contest will be played at Stamford Bridge and kicks off at 12.30pm BST. Away tickets can be purchased here.