Izzy Christiansen’s early strike proved decisive as Everton secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory over city rivals Liverpool in a Continental Cup clash at Walton Hall Park on Wednesday night.

The Toffees had numerous chances to extend their advantage, with Hayley Raso, Nicoline Sorensen and Damaris Egurrola all going close for Willie Kirk’s side.

The result maintains Everton’s hopes of qualifying from the Continental Cup group stage.

With one game left to play against Manchester United, the Blues are second in Group B, three points behind leaders Manchester City. The six group winners qualify for the quarter-finals along with the two best runners-up.

Everton took just five minutes to hit the front at Walton Hall Park.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah expertly controlled a lofted through pass before deftly nudging the ball into the path of Christiansen, who slotted into the bottom corner from close range.

Everton bossed the opening stages, passing the ball with precision, pace and purpose.

A sweeping team move almost led to the Blues’ second goal on 23 minutes. Grace Clinton and Poppy Pattinson linked up well on the left flank and the full-back whipped a dangerous cross into the area that was fractions away from finding the onrushing Molly Pike.

Everton stopper Tinja Riikka Korpela was forced into her first save of note on the half-hour mark.

Rinsola Babajide darted forward and slipped a pass into Amalie Thestrup - Korpela safely gathered the striker’s well-struck effort.

Everton Academy graduate Grace Clinton then had a golden opportunity to score her first senior Blues goal.

A perfectly-weighted through ball from skipper Lucy Graham sent Clinton through on one-on-one with Liverpool keeper Rylee Foster – she made a good connection with her shot but it whistled past the far post.

Liverpool’s best chance of the opening 45 minutes came on the stroke of half-time. Missy Bo Kearns’ low, driven corner delivery was met by Rachel Furness, whose first-time shot went inches wide.

Everton had the first opening of the second half. Christiansen sent in a free-kick from the right flank – Liverpool scrambled clear but the ball fell invitingly to Boye-Hlorkah on the edge of the box, who hammered a shot over the crossbar.

Liverpool struggled to create any clear chances in the second half as the Everton backline defended with determination and authority.

Everton almost doubled their advantage 15 minutes from time – substitute Hayley Raso unleashed a fizzing drive that was stopped on the line by Liverpool defender Niamh Fahey.

The away side needed another goalline clearance moments later. After Damaris Egurrola’s header struck the post, former Everton player Taylor Hinds thumped the ball clear.

Raso turned creator on 85 minutes when she accelerated clear down the right and clipped in a cross for Nicoline Sorensen, but the Dane’s effort went over the bar.

The electric Australian then forced a splendid one-handed save from Foster with another powerful shot.

Everton’s missed chances were not to prove costly, however, as the Blues saw out victory without alarm.