Crystal Palace missed an opportunity to climb off the bottom of the Women's Super League (WSL) table after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Everton.
A win would have seen the Eagles leapfrog Aston Villa, but missed chances and a clinical Everton side proved too much for the visitors.
Everton took the lead just before halftime when Justine Vanhaevermaet's powerful header from Sara Holmgaard's left-wing corner found the net.
Despite two Palace defenders being on the goal line, they were unable to clear the effort.
The Belgian midfielder nearly doubled her tally moments later, but goalkeeper Shae Yanez made a superb save to keep Palace in the game.
However, the Toffees wasted no time after the break, scoring just 24 seconds into the second half.
Holmgaard, who had assisted the opener, got on the scoresheet with a header from Kelly Gago's cross, extending Everton's lead to 2-0.
Palace thought they had a lifeline when the referee initially awarded a penalty after Vanhaevermaet's challenge on Katie Stengel.
However, after consulting with the assistant referee, the decision was reversed, leaving Palace frustrated.
Everton sealed their victory in the fourth minute of injury time when Gago latched onto a Holmgaard long ball and calmly finished past Yanez, securing a third goal.
The win lifted Everton to seventh place, easing their relegation fears.
Palace's Relegation Battle Intensifies
For Crystal Palace, the loss leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table with just nine points from 17 games, trailing Aston Villa by a single point.
With only five matches left, the Eagles face an uphill battle to avoid relegation and a swift return to the Championship.
Since gaining promotion last season, Palace have struggled to adjust to the demands of the WSL.
The club parted ways with manager Laura Kaminski in February, bringing in Leif Smerud to try and turn things around.
Despite a crucial 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Palace has found it difficult to build momentum.
The Eagles had opportunities at Walton Hall Park, with Clarissa Larisey looking dangerous down the left wing.
However, Everton's defense, led by Vanhaevermaet, held firm. Palace's best chance came when Ashleigh Weerden's shot on the turn was saved by Courtney Brosnan.
Everton Ease Relegation Fears, Memorable Day for Madsen
The victory provided some breathing room for Everton, who began the day only seven points clear of Palace.
Now 10 points ahead of the relegation zone, Brian Sorensen's side sits in seventh place, above Tottenham.
There was a memorable moment late in the match when Denmark forward Rikke Madsen made her first appearance of the season after giving birth in the autumn.
Following the final whistle, Madsen's boyfriend, Martin Thomsen, proposed to her on the pitch, and the 27-year-old happily accepted.
Tough Road Ahead for Palace
Crystal Palace's fight for survival does not get any easier.
They face second-placed Arsenal on 30 March before traveling to unbeaten league leaders Chelsea on 20 April.
Meanwhile, their relegation rivals, Villa and Leicester, have crucial home fixtures against Manchester United and Brighton, respectively.
With time running out, Palace will need to find both form and fortune if they are to pull off a great escape and secure their WSL status.