Everton cruised past Birmingham City with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park to commence their Subway League Cup campaign in winning fashion.
Zara Kramzar opened the scoring inside 17 minutes with a towering header before Yuka Momiki doubled the advantage with a stunning effort that nestled into the top corner.
The contest took shape quickly, with the visitors registering the first chance of the evening when Suzu Amano’s close-range strike struck the post. Ryle Foster was alert, however, diving across and appearing well-placed to make the save had it been on target.
But it was Everton who broke the deadlock moments later, as Kramzar bravely contested a header after Momiki delivered a fine ball over Birmingham’s defence. The Slovenian rose ahead of the onrushing goalkeeper to guide the ball beyond Lucy Thomas and put the hosts ahead.
With positive momentum behind them, Megan Finnigan came close to extending Everton’s lead on her return from injury. Finding herself in the centre of the box, the defender saw her effort well saved by Thomas at the bottom corner.
Momiki continued to menace as half-time approached, curling an effort from outside the box narrowly over the crossbar.
Everton’s lead was almost threatened on the stroke of the break, though, as Wilma Leidhammar’s effort narrowly missed the post after the hosts were caught on the counter-attack.
The Toffees managed to add a second cushion in the 55th minute, with Momiki displaying her excellence in front of goal for the second consecutive match. Finding space in midfield, the Japan international unleashed a powerful strike towards the top corner, leaving Thomas with no chance as the ball rattled the net.
After entering the pitch in the 68th minute, Hannah Cain made a quick impact, with her right-footed strike forcing Thomas into another save at the bottom corner around ten minutes later.
In fine form, Momiki almost completed her brace from inside the area, but Thomas was able to hold her effort this time.
The result leaves Everton heading into Sunday’s Merseyside Derby at Anfield with three consecutive victories, as they look to carry their momentum into their meeting with Liverpool.
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