Everton Women fell to a 3-0 defeat to a clinical Manchester City outfit at Walton Hall Park on Sunday.
A quick-fire double from Ellen White and Gemma Bonner midway through the first half put the visitors in control before Janine Beckie added third on the stroke of half-time.
The result means the Blues slip to fifth in the WSL table.
City started well and had the first chance of the game two minutes in.
Some good interplay allowed Demi Stokes space to get her shot away, which went just wide with the aid of a deflection.
The visitors kept on pushing after their fast start but the Blues defence held strong, with Megan Finnigan blocking Janine Beckie’s goalbound attempt.
It was Finnigan, in fact, who had Everton’s first attempt at goal.
She flicked a corner towards goal but Ellie Roebuck made a comfortable stop
The visitors took the lead through White on 25 minutes.
Caroline Weir swung a cross in from the left and the England international directed her header over the despairing dive of Sandy MacIver.
City doubled their lead moments later.
It was Weir who again provided the assist, with Bonner glancing her corner into the bottom left corner to make it 2-0.
Beckie made it three in first-half stoppage time.
The dangerous Weir drove down the left and delivered another fine cross to the back post. Beckie stooped low to head home and extend City’s lead.
Nico Sorensen forced Roebuck into her first meaningful save of the afternoon minutes into the second half.
Steph Houghton forced the Dane wide, but she still got her shot off from a tight angle.
The City keeper got down well to her right to keep it out.
Hayley Raso and Lucy Graham also had chances as Everton attempted to battle their way back into the game, but the Blues could not find a way past City keeper Roebuck.
Everton goalkeeper MacIver, meanwhile, saved well from Georgia Stanway 10 minutes from time.
Everton return to WSL action next Sunday, when the Toffees travel to Birmingham City.
