Mersey pride for Liverpool Ladies as they beat Everton in season opener
Liverpool Ladies made a winning start to the new Women's Super League season as they beat neighbours Everton 2-0 in their opening game on Friday night.
Scott Rogers' charges played some excellent football at times and second-half goals from Natasha Harding and Niamh Charles ensured it was a great evening for the red half of Merseyside.
Going into the game at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes, Rogers handed a debut to new loan signing Bethany England, while Satara Murray returned from injury at right-back.
Both sides had chances in a lively opening 45 minutes. Jess Clarke headed against the bar for the Reds following a delivery from Caroline Weir, while Laura Coombs fired a rasping drive inches past the post.
At the other end, England star Casey Stoney was on hand to deny the Blues with a goalline clearance.
Alex Greenwood was a real threat down the left flank for the Reds and it was no surprise she was involved in the opening goal on 69 minutes.
Greenwood's free-kick fell invitingly to Harding and the Wales international made no mistake from close range.
Substitute Charles then made certain of the victory in stoppage-time when she followed up an effort from Ashley Hodson to score.
Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Murray, Greenwood, Stoney, Bonner, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Harding, Clarke (Charles, 57), England (Hodson, 87).