EVERTON LADIES suffered heartbreak by finishing second in the Women’s Premier League after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal left the visitors champions on goal difference.

A five-yard volley from Suzanne Grant in the 13th minute was enough to ensure the Gunners retained the league title for the sixth consecutive season.

It was Everton who had the first of the chances as Michelle Hinnigan’s header found Fara Williams and provided the 2,000-strong Widnes crowd with some immediate excitement.

Striker Natasha Dowie then looked to make an instant impact with an early strike, but couldn’t find enough strength to trouble the Arsenal keeper.

Everton captain Williams’ reputation with set-pieces was called upon frequently in the first period – as Jody Handley’s charges down the right allowed the home side several opportunities.

Arsenal sparked into action as winger Rachel Yankey took charge on the counter attack, but found it hard to trouble the solid Everton defence.

Mo Marley’s side proved increasingly difficult to break down, but a denied cross from Yankey prompted the referee to award the visitors with a corner.

And Suzanne Grant found a gap in the congested goalmouth to volley home from close range to put the visitors ahead after 13 minutes.

Everton didn’t lose their nerve as excellent performances from defenders Whelan and Lindsay Johnson persisted to deny the visitors – in particular the highly energetic and speedy Yankey, whose skilful combinations with Gemma Davidson kept Everton keeper Rachel Brown on her toes.

Arsenal scrambled out Toni Duggan’s close-range shot for a second corner, but Everton’s bid to draw level looked set to continue.

Handley’s crafty footwork allowed Dowie through on goal just before the half hour – yet the on-form striker had to settle for a free-kick against her after an arguable call for obstruction.

An excellent combination from Jill Scott and Williams set Dowie up moments later, but Byrne collected with ease.

And a penalty claim from Scott was sternly denied by the referee on the half hour – Byrne came to meet the towering midfielder on the edge of the box but the ball was claimed first – much to Scott’s frustration.

The frustration looked to transcend to Williams too as an accurate ball from Handley allowed her clean through on goal, only to be called offside.