Everton Women suffered defeat on their return to Walton Hall Park as visitors Brighton & Hove Albion edged the hosts to a 1-0 result.

It was first experience for Jean-Luc Vasseur in front of a home support and while it was the best possible start against Leicester City earlier in the week, his side couldn't seem to replicate the winning performance against Saturday's opponents.

The Blues dominated possession with the likes of Aurora Galli and Kenza Dali helping to apply pressure upon the opponents, and while the hosts went into the break with 65 per cent possession, they were unable to break the deadlock.

Everton began the second half as they did the first, controlling possession but unable to find the finishing touch to get their just reward with an opener. 

With half an hour left to play, it was Brighton who struck first on Saturday evening.

Danielle Carter played in a swinging ball from the right side as it was met at the near post by Aileen Whelan who headed in for the visitors. 

Everton came close to pulling a goal back moments later as Toni Duggan swung in the ball from the left side to find Izzy Christiansen inside the area.

The captain struck first time but her effort was blocked by the Brighton defence.

Vasseur's side kept pushing for an equaliser with substiute Claire Emslie having a handful of chances to worry the Seagulls backline.

In the final minutes the Scotland international was caught by a late challenge from goalkeeper Megan Walsh outside the box.

Despite the protests from the Everton players, only a yellow was handed to the Brighton player.

Emslie stepped up for the free-kick but it arrived in the hands of Walsh.

There was a late chance from Valerie Gauvin as her effort was sent inches wide of the left post with the referee blowing for the full time soon after. 

The squad return to Walton Hall Park next weekend as Everton host Manchester United in the Barclays FA Women's Super League.