Everton seal last-gasp WSL win against Leicester after Kirstie Levell’s own goal

Hanna Bennison’s free-kick deflected into the net off the goalkeeper Kirstie Levell to give Everton a 1-0 victory over Leicester in added time of the Women’s Super League contest at Walton Hall Park.

Levell’s late intervention from the Swedish substitute’s delivery decided a cagey contest in front of a sold-out crowd and left the visitors still seeking their first point of the season.

Neither side was able to create any real chances in the opening exchanges as Leicester’s back line responded well to the hosts’ high press.

The Foxes had their first opportunity when Molly Pike looked to chip Emily Ramsey but her effort instead landed in the hands of the Toffees keeper. Everton’s first chance came midway through the second half when Nathalie Björn slipped the ball to Katja Snoeijs but her effort was well blocked by Levell.

Izzy Christiansen then tried to pick out Snoeijs but the Dutch international was not there to finish, which meant Christiansen could only watch her cross sail across the face of goal. Everton’s Lucy Graham, meanwhile, could only muster a half-chance from the edge of the area, pivoting before firing wide from her less-favoured left foot as Leicester fended off a sustained period of pressure.

At the other end, Megan Finnigan easily cleared a Jemma Purfield delivery into the box to send the sides goalless into the break.

A chance at the restart saw an effort from Leicsester’s Josie Green blocked, and Everton survived a scare when Ramsey, on her competitive debut for the club, collided with Sam Tierney but was able to continue after receiving attention.

The visitors won a free-kick and Purfield aimed straight at goal but saw her effort parried away by Ramsey. Gabby George then tried to get things going for