Steph Houghton strikes late as Arsenal draw at Lincoln

A last-gasp equaliser by captain Steph Houghton gave Women's Super League champions Arsenal a 1-1 draw at Lincoln.

The result left the Gunners, who lost 4-0 to Liverpool in their opening WSL fixture, second-bottom of the eight-team table.

Everton and Birmingham City, fourth and fifth in the table respectively, battled out a goalless draw.

Lincoln 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal started well, midfielder Kim Little's 18-yard shot forcing goalkeeper Karen Bardsley into a save after just eight minutes.

Striker Ellen White then fired wide of Bardsley's goal from a good position before the keeper saved again from Little before half-time.

She also had to tip a Gilly Flaherty shot over the bar as the visitors continued to create the better openings after the break.

The Gunners forced a succession of corners but, with Lincoln defending frantically at times, a breakthrough still proved elusive.

Lincoln had created no clear-cut chances but with just a couple of minutes remaining they went ahead when Roberts tapped home from close range.

Arsenal looked set for a second successive defeat but they salvaged a point when Houghton smashed home a 20-yard shot in the last minute.

Everton 0-0 Birmingham City

The woodwork played a key role in the first half as the scoresheet remained blank despite good efforts from both sides.

Everton goalkeeper Lizzy Durack turned an 11th-minute Chelsea Weston shot onto the crossbar.

Ten minutes later Birmingham went close again, midfielder Jo Potter striking a 20-yard drive against the bar.

And just before the half-hour, Everton midfielder Michelle Hinnigan's powerful shot rebounded off the bar.

The impressive Durack made another good save five minutes into the second half, this time turning a Kerys Harrop shot over the top.

The young keeper then kept out a Melissa Lawley effort as the visitors maintained the pressure.

Everton should have taken the lead in the 73rd minute, however, striker Nikita Parris heading a simple chance over an empty net.

And a minute from time winger Toni Duggan almost won the game for the home side, prodding a close-range shot inches wide.