THERE were mixed fortunes for Merseyside clubs in the fifth round of the FA Cup yesterday – as Everton progressed while Liverpool crashed out.

Liverpool travelled to fellow National Division outfit Blackburn, while Everton played in the East Midlands against Leicester City.

Liverpool had a tough time of it and slumped to a 4-1 defeat, the only consolation coming in the form of a Chantelle Parry free-kick.

But David Bradley’s side couldn’t make it three wins out of three against the Lancashire outfit.

“I’m very disappointed with the result because I don’t think we got enough out of the girls today,” said Bradley. “I can’t say Blackburn were a 4-1 team. They exposed our weaknesses but I believe we should have been 2-0 up at half-time. But we missed too many chances and that came back to haunt us as you can’t afford to do that at this level.”

There were better fortunes for Everton as they beat Leicester 3-0.

The win, though, came at a price as they look set to be missing young central defender Fern Whelan for a spell as she suffered a serious knee injury in the first half.

But that news was tempered by a brace from Jody Handley and a strike from Jill Scott.

Everton go into the sixth round draw, and coach Keith Marley was pleased with the win and with one or two performances.

“To be honest Lindsay Johnson today was outstanding,” said Marley.

“Obviously with Fern getting injured, we had to drop someone in to play alongside Lindsay. She played really well.”

Tranmere advanced to the next round of the Cheshire Cup with a much needed 5-0 win over Chester City.

Rovers will also be boasted by the news star striker Vicky Abbott looks to be making a successful comeback from her 18-month lay-off due to a knee injury.

Goals from Rachel Rigby, Helen King, Sarah Manning and a brace from Sue Kenwright meant it was a successful break from the league for Shirley Waring’s side.