Brian Sørensen admitted he’s disappointed his Everton side couldn’t take all three points in Sunday’s Merseyside derby but is pleased with how they stepped on in the second half of the contest.

The Toffees took on their neighbours in front of a bumper crowd at Goodison Park, but were held to a 0-0 draw despite a strong showing after the half-time break. Lucy Hope went closest to sealing a victory for the Blues when her powerful strike hit the underside of the bar late in the second period. 

While the away side also had half chances of their own, most notably when Courtney Brosnan was called into action to deny Liverpool’s Ceri Holland in second-half stoppage time, Sørensen said he was satisfied with how his team tamed the in-form visitors. 

“First half we were struggling a bit in terms of pressing together,” he told evertontv. “They got half chances off that, so we spoke about it at half-time.”

“We switched it up a gear or two in the second half, also with the subs. For the first time in a long time, we could change the game a bit with the personnel. So big credit to the girls, they were magnificent in the second half. 

“There were big chances, we controlled it and they [Liverpool] were only really dangerous in transition. We are a bit gutted that we didn't get something (more) but also good that we weren’t getting hurt in those transitions.”

The Everton boss was also keen to praise the fans in attendance at Goodison Park who helped create an "amazing" atmosphere for the two teams. 

“Thank you to each person who was here today - it’s amazing to play in such an atmosphere,” he said. “We love playing here. It is such an iconic stadium. Seeing all the kids that are here makes me so happy. My five-year-old daughter has been here with her friend screaming."

Everton now have five fixtures remaining of their Women’s Super League campaign, with their next test coming away to Manchester United on Saturday 30 March (12pm kick-off). 

Sørensen explained why he hopes the draw against Liverpool, plus the recent return of key players from injury, can provide the group with the perfect platform to finish the season on a high. 

“We are building it up, now we just need to put it all together,” he explained looking ahead to next week’s clash. “With people coming back [from injuries], it makes it a little easier for us. When we are not leading in a game, it has been hard to change it up. But now we can hopefully start to see that.”