Everton Women’s first fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ended in a 4-1 defeat as Manchester United continue their unbeaten run in the WSL.
The Blues went into half-time with the advantage after Honoka Hayashi’s clinical strike gave them a deserved lead in the 16th minute. Though, a Jess Park brace, a Malvin Malard strike, and an unfortunate own goal from Hikaru Kitagawa took the game away from the hosts in the second half.
United started strongly with the first opportunity of the afternoon falling to Lisa Naalsund, whose strike sailed over the cross bar following a threatening delivery from Mallard.
That pressure continued as Emily Ramsey found herself at the centre of the action, producing a strong punch to parry the ball away before smothering a second effort from Malard.
The hosts defended resiliently, showing flashes of positivity and attacking intent when breaking forward on the counter.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 16th minute when Hayashi leapt onto a free-kick delivery and fired home, creating history to become the first woman to score at the Hill Dickinson.
For the rest of the half, the Blues continued to frustrate United, maintaining their shape and dealing efficiently with any challenges that came their way.
However, the visitors struck back in the 62nd minute through Melvine Malard. Despite Ramsey parrying away her initial effort, the French forward tucked home the rebound to draw United level.
Just under ten minutes later, the Reds took the lead after an unfortunate own goal from Kitagawa turned the game in their favour midway through the second period.
Former Everton Loanee, Jess Park added to the deficit in the 84th minute, smashing a powerful strike past Ramsey.
She then delivered the final blow five minutes later, finishing clinically from the edge of the box.
In the closing stages Maz Pacecho fired a shot on target after breaking free, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce stood strong to deny the Blues and ensure United claimed all three points.
Everton are back in action at Goodison Park this Sunday, with their second League Cup game against WSL 2 side Nottingham Forest.
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