Aileen Whelan's second-half equaliser helped Albion clinch a share of the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Walton Hall Park.

An early Rikke Sevecke own goal was cancelled out by Izzy Christiansen's first-half free-kick, before Valerie Gauvin turned the tables to give Willie Kirk's side the lead.

But Whelan's 78th-minute leveller handed Hope Powell's team a hard-earned point to dash Everton's hopes of maintaining their flawless record.

Albion began brightly and took a shock early lead when former Toffee Inessa Kaagman's dangerous free-kick was met by Sevecke, who diverted past a stranded Sandy MacIver.

Powell’s side had further chances to increase their lead with Maya Le Tissier going close after a sweeping move, before Everton levelled in spectacular fashion as Christiansen's free-kick sailed past Megan Walsh after a slight deflection.

The hosts quickly began to take charge of the game, with Claire Emslie and Gauvin both going close as the grateful Seagulls made it through to half time unscathed.

Everton continued to pile on the pressure after the break and Walsh was forced into action with a close-range save from Hayley Raso before Danielle Turner went close with a free-kick.

Brighton battled admirably, however, and it took until the 71st minute for Everton to breach their stubborn defence when Gauvin rose to head in Christiansen's corner.

But Albion deserved their point and drew level with just over ten minutes to play when Whelan slid in to meet Felicity Gibbons' low cross from the left.

The game ended in controversial circumstances when referee Lucy Oliver appeared to hand a second booking to Albion's Kayleigh Green in the 81st minute but did not send her off.