Nikita Parris struck a stoppage-time winner as Brighton came from behind to beat Everton 3-2 at Walton Hall Park.

Everton, whose boss Brian Sorensen signed a new contract on Thursday, twice had the lead, initially going in front early on through Sara Holmgaard, and then regaining the advantage, moments after Michelle Agyemang’s 21st-minute equaliser, via Katja Snoeijs.

But Dario Vidosic’s Brighton replied again just prior to the break, Fran Kirby scoring having combined with Parris.

Parris then settled the topsy-turvy contest at the death as she slotted past Courtney Brosnan in the third minute of added time to seal all three points for the visitors.

Brighton, defeated in each of their previous three Women’s Super League games, move up a place in the table to fifth with two games to go, while Everton stay eighth.

Although Brighton made a bright start, Everton took a ninth-minute lead when Holmgaard met Snoeijs’ cross in the box with a first-time shot that lofted over Melina Loeck and in.

Loeck then made a good save to deny Snoeijs, before Brighton hit back as on-loan Arsenal forward Agyemang slid to convert Kiko Seike’s delivery, the 19-year-old continuing her fine form after scoring on her senior England debut and then against Liverpool in her previous two outings.

Parity was short-lived, Everton moving back ahead within two minutes as Snoeijs, teed up by Toni Payne, swept into the bottom corner of the net.

Brighton subsequently had a good chance to draw level again in the 43rd minute, Caitlin Hayes only able to send a free header bouncing into Brosnan’s arms, and moments later it was back all square as the experienced duo of Kirby and Parris played a neat one-two and the former fired in.

The early stages of the second half saw a Parris shot diverted behind by Elise Stenevik and Payne miss the ball as she attempted a finish from a good position.

Maisie Symonds sent a shot at the Everton goal off-target, and Holmgaard headed onto the roof of the net at the other end.

Parris subsequently appealed in vain for a penalty after going down in the box in the 75th minute – then had the final say right at the end as she made the most of Rachel McLauchlan’s through-ball in stoppage time with a composed finish past Brosnan.