Veatriki Sarri’s late equaliser secured Everton a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in their Women’s Super League match at Walton Hall Park.

Villa had taken a deserved first-half lead through a header from Rachel Daly.

After Everton keeper Courtney Brosnan had made a string of saves, the home side eventually got back on level terms with just a minute left of normal time when Sarri lashed a loose ball into the far corner.

Villa, still searching for permanent manager, with Shaun Goater continuing to take interim charge, made a bright start as Adriana Leon cut a low cross through the Everton penalty area which just needed a touch.

Everton, with new signings Martina Fernandez and Hayley Ladd making their debuts, looked to test Villa keeper Sabrina D’Angelo, but Lucy Hope’s strike lacked any real power.

At the other end, Ebony Salmon saw her curling effort tipped behind by Toffees keeper Brosnan, who then pushed Anna Patten’s flick over.

Villa continued to press, as Leon was next to force Brosnan into a save from her angled shot.

D’Angelo had to be quick off her line to close down Everton forward Katja Snoeijs before Villa went ahead in the 31st minute.

Full-back Noelle Maritz sent over a deep cross from the right, which Daly met to head past Brosnan into the bottom corner.

Villa looked for a second ahead of the break as Leon sent Ebony Salmon through and Brosnan had to make another solid save.

Everton boss Brian Sorensen made three changes early in the second half.

Manchester United loanee Emma Watson came on for her debut, replacing Snoeijs, while Kelly Gago and Melissa Lawley were also brought off the bench.

Gago almost made an instant impact in the 55th minute when she burst down the right before cutting inside, but then sent her shot over the crossbar.

Everton, who beat Manchester City in their last WSL game of 2024, were almost gifted an equaliser just after the hour.

D’Angelo, trying to play out from the back, sent a pass directly at Clare Wheeler, but the ball bounced off the Everton winger and straight into the Villa keeper’s grateful gloves.

After a good spell by the home side, Villa went on the offensive again.

Substitute Miri Taylor got down the right and sent a loss cross through the six-yard box, but there was no-one in support to apply the finishing touch.

Everton snatched an equaliser in the 89th minute when Sarri latched on to a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area before drilling it into the bottom right corner.

The draw leaves both sides with 10 points from 11 WSL games.