Everton began their Women's Super League campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

An early double from Elisabeth Terland gave the hosts a difficult challenge for Brian Sorensen's side to overcome.

Despite an strong display after the setback - and a goal from skipper Megan Finnigan - it was the Seagulls who held on for all three points.

Everton found themselves behind after four minutes. 

Katie Robinson struck from range as her effort hit off the crossbar. It arrived into the path of Terland who headed past Emily Ramsey to give the visitors an early lead. 

Brighton doubled their lead ten minutes later.

Robinson slipped the ball into the path of Terland who tucked the ball past Ramsey for her second of the afternoon. 

Despite their early setback, the Blues grew into the game and came close to pulling one back through Nicoline Sorensen.

A double chance from the Denmark international on 24 minutes saw her second effort rattle off the crossbar.

The Blues continued to grow and deservedly pulled a goal back in the second half. 

Hanna Bennison whipped the ball in from the corner flag as it dropped into the path of Captain Finnigan. The Everton defender took a touch before blasting the ball into the bottom left corner on 65 minutes. 

The Toffees continued to push into the final half hour, but a stubborn Brighton defence denied the hosts an opportunity for an equaliser.

Up next for Brian Sorensen's side is a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City on Sunday 8 October (3pm BST).