Everton stunned Anfield to run out 3-0 winners over Liverpool and kickstart their Women’s Super League season in style.
Liverpool produced the shock of the opening round of Women’s Super League fixtures last weekend by beating champions Chelsea at Prenton Park – but their neighbours across Stanley Park brutally dampened their mood with two first-half goals from Megan Finnigan and the excellent Jess Park.
The Toffees did not need to get out of second gear after that early dominance, with Liverpool barely threatening the Everton goal, despite the influence of Megan Campbell’s dangerous long-throws. The result was secured when Park released substitute Hanna Bennison who slotted home to send a sold-out away end into delirium.
After Arsenal set a new Women’s Super League attendance record on Saturday, another crowd milestone from the women’s top-flight was broken, with this Merseyside derby watched by 27,574 fans at Anfield – a record home crowd for the Liverpool Women’s team.
How Everton strolled past Liverpool
Before the match, Everton manager Brian Sorensen revealed to Sky Sports his side’s desire to quieten the Anfield crowd down early on and a positive first 10 minutes, where their defenders threatened from all over the pitch, allowed that.