Courtney Brosnan saves three penalties in Everton shootout success

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was the penalty hero for Everton on Wednesday night, as she saved three spot-kicks in a Women's League Cup shootout against Newcastle United.

Second-tier Newcastle took the lead in the Group A clash through Demi Stokes in the fifth minute before Emma Bissell's second-half strike levelled things up.

Draws in group stage of the Women's League Cup mean that the competing sides earn a point each before they participate in a penalty shootout for the chance to earn a second point.

In this case, it was Brosnan who helped Everton to two points from their trip to Newcastle, as she saved spot kicks from Amy Andrews, Georgia Gibson and Rachel Furness to ensure a 3-0 shootout win for the visitors.

Everton's penalties were scored by Justine Vanhaevermaet, Katja Snoeijs and Megan Finnigan.

The outcome should provide a boost for Brosnan ahead of Ireland's upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying play-off against Georgia, after the Toffees opened their Women's Super League campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Brighton and a 1-0 loss at home to Manchester United.

Elsewhere in Group A, Man United beat Liverpool 2-0 with goals from Melvine Malard and Rachael Williams.