Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan was absent as Liverpool took a huge step forward in their Women's Super League survival bid with a 2-0 win over bottom club Leicester in St Helens.
Beatta Olsson fired the hosts into a 10th-minute lead and a late penalty from Ceri Holland sealed a win that moves Gareth Taylor's side four points clear of danger.
O'Sullivan is recovering from a knee injury she sustained during Ireland's 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat to France at Tallaght Stadium. She missed the subsequent trip to the Netherlands, which also ended in a 2-1 loss, but is expected to return to action soon.
"Denise O'Sullivan returned early from international duty with an injury, but I think it looks promising for her and I don’t think it’s as serious as we initially feared," Taylor said earlier this week.
Heather Payne was sidelined for Leicester with a muscle injury, while former Athlone Town and Shamrock Rovers goalkeper Katie Keane was an unused sub.
Elsewhere runaway leaders Manchester City stuttered in their quest to move closer to the WSL title as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw at lowly Aston Villa, for whom Irish centre-half Anna Patten played the full game.
Andree Jeglertz's side looked disjointed on their return from the international break and the home side had the better chances to take the lead in a dominant first-half display.
Olivia Smith and substitute Stina Blackstenius fired Arsenal to within two points of second-placed Manchester United in a 2-0 victory at London City Lionesses.
Smith struck before the break and Blackstenius after it as the Gunners, who have a game in hand on both United and Chelsea in third, claimed the win at a blustery Copperjax Community Stadium.
Katie McCabe had a solid game for the Gunners, making one crucial last-ditch tackle on Delphine Cascarino.
Kelly Gago came off the bench to fire Everton to just a fifth league victory of the campaign at Tottenham.
Nicole Momiki had given the visitors an early lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Signe Gaupset's 76th-minute equaliser looked to have snatched a point for the hosts until Gago struck seven minutes from time.
Meanwhile, goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones helped Chelsea retain the Subway Women's League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Ashton Gate.
The first bit of silverware of the season was up for grabs, but Sonia Bompastor’s side proved too good for the Red Devils and got their hands on the trophy for a fourth time.
A mistake led to James opening the scoring against her former club in a frantic first half which saw both sides have plenty of chances.
United looked good value for an equaliser, but Chelsea were clinical and that proved to be the difference when Beever-Jones sealed the win with a close-range finish 14 minutes from time.
