Everton substitute Veatriki Sarri scored a late equaliser at Walton Hall Park to deny Aston Villa victory.

It had been a strong performance from the visitors, but they were punished for wasted first-half chances when Sarri picked up a loose ball in the box and fired home in the 89th minute.

Former England international Rachel Daly had put Villa ahead with a well-timed header in the first half and Everton had struggled to respond.

Villa forwards Ebony Salmon and Adriana Leon created several chances and substitute Miri Taylor later dragged an effort wide.

But Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan delivered another strong display to keep the scoreline down and it meant the Toffees could put pressure on Villa in the second half.

Manager Brian Sorensen had a strong bench and was able to introduce new signings Emma Watson and Kelly Gago, who had an impact.

Debuts were also handed to Hayley Ladd and Martina Fernandez from the start and Everton's persistence eventually paid off.

Sarri reacted when the ball came to her on the edge of the box and did not hesitate when she struck it powerfully past goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo, ending Villa's three-game winning streak under interim boss Shaun Goater.

Everton fans were full of optimism as they arrived at Walton Hall Park expecting to see several new faces, with the club investing strongly in the January transfer window so far.

Ladd's composure in midfield was evident, while France forward Gago was an exciting introduction off the bench and instantly became a fan favourite.

The encouraging signs were there for Everton and they got their rewards for a busy month behind the scenes, with the newcomers helping to push them over the line.

Manager Sorensen has called for more depth in his squad and wanted to be able to impact games off the bench – and this was the perfect example of that.

"We weren't ready for the first half. It was a bit off. I don't know why but we were too passive in all our actions," he said afterwards.

"We needed to do more in the second half and we certainly did that. The impact from the players off the bench made a huge difference to that.

"I am pleased with the point because we also have to acknowledge that Courtney Brosnan kept us in the game with some good saves in the first half."

It was a disappointing end for Villa, though, who had been comfortably the better side for an hour and were made to pay for a catalogue of missed chances.

With three wins and a draw under Goater, they are still progressing however, and this result will not damage the former Manchester City striker's claim to be permanent manager.

Villa have looked exciting going forward and carved out plenty of opportunities on Merseyside which, on another day, they would have been likely to finish.

"This is something we will always continue to mention. When we get these chances we need to be able to take them," said Goater.

"We just have to keep going and make the right decisions. We certainly need to be ruthless and this is something we will talk about."

Daly has often been Villa's match-winner and she nearly was again – timing her run well and finding herself in the right place at the right time to meet Noelle Maritz's cross.

Her contract is due to expire this year and Villa fans will be hoping the 33-year-old commits her future after another impressive individual display, although it wasn't quite enough to seal all three points.