Aston Villa’s unbeaten run in the Women’s Super League now stands at five games after defeating Everton at Walton Hall Park.
Kenza Dali’s goal and an own goal by Everton defender Megan Finnigan helped Villa close the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal.
Everton came close through Rikke Sedecke and Jess Park in a tight game, but couldn’t break through.
They are still sixth, but they have a game in hand on Villa.
WSL top-scorer Rachel Daly provided an early lead for Villa. Her deft pass set up Dali, whose shot deflected and kissed the post on its way past Courtney Brosnan.
Carla Ward’s team mostly kept Everton at bay and increased their lead when Mayumi Pacheco’s low cross was turned inadvertently by Finnigan.
With the Toffees having only scored 16 goals this season, Villa cruised to victory, and Daly was inches away from a third when he headed over in the dying seconds.