Khadija Shaw scored twice in the second half as Manchester City began their Women’s Super League title defence with a 3-1 victory over promoted Birmingham.
City took the lead four minutes after the break when the ball dropped for Australia forward Mary Fowler, who swept into the bottom-right corner.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Shaw then headed home two corners to put the champions firmly in the ascendancy before Oceane Hurtre grabbed a last-minute consolation for Blues.
Elsewhere, Lisa Baum produced a wonderful solo effort in the 10th minute of her Arsenal debut as the Gunners triumphed 1-0 at Brighton.
The 19-year-old picked up possession midway inside the Brighton half and showed neat footwork to shift the ball past a couple of players before unleashing a shot in off the crossbar.
Grace Fisk was at the double as Liverpool enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory at Charlton, newly-promoted to the WSL.
Fisk scored early in each half at The Valley, with Vivien Endemann adding a third goal before Cornelia Kapocs’ stoppage-time penalty sealed the rout.
New Tottenham signing Kirsty Hanson scored twice on her debut to help secure a 3-1 victory over West Ham.
Hanson’s brace put the hosts in charge after Signe Gaupset had put them ahead, with Viviane Asseyi registering a consolation for the Hammers in the third minute of stoppage time.
Promoted Crystal Palace made a winning start to life back in the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 thanks to Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first-half strike at Borough Sports Ground.
PA
