Everton Ladies recorded a second league win of the season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Watford Ladies at Berkhamsted FC.
Simone Magill put Andy Spence’s side in front on the stroke of half-time, with Millie Turner and Lucy Whipp also on target for the Blues.
Jenna Dear’s corner gave the hosts hope but the Toffees were always good value for their lead and subsequent victory.
With three successive draws in their previous league outings, Everton signalled their intentions early on; Watford goalkeeper Shayla Burgess saving well from the ever-dangerous Whipp, whose 12-yard effort was heading for the bottom corner.
It was to be a busy afternoon for the Hornets' custodian, who again denied the Blues on 40 minutes after Kelly Jones had collected an excellent through ball from the back to test the stopper.
The WSL 2’s bottom club did have their moments - Dear in particular a threat to the Blues backline - but it was Everton who went ahead just before the break. Whipp battled to keep Emily Hollinshead's cross alive which caused the ball to break for Magill to finish from six yards with Burgess this time unable to come to Watford’s rescue.
The Blues doubled their lead seven minutes after the restart. Lindsay Johnson’s cross, following the initially-cleared corner, found an unmarked Turner who headed home well.
Watford found a route back into the game just after the hour-mark as Blues goalkeeper Megan Walsh failed to deal with Dear's corner. It squirmed over the line with the last touch possibly coming off Johnson for an own goal, something her colossal performance at the heart of defence didn’t deserve.
But it was Whipp who had the final say and restored her side's two-goal lead after she beat Ellie Butterwick on the right, before cutting inside and unleashing a thunderous drive into the top corner of the net.
Not content with protecting their lead, Everton continued to press and could have scored in injury time when Danielle Turner fired over from close range, but Spence will be more than happy with the performance and three points.
Teams:
Watford (5-3-2): Shayla Burgess, Emily Heaslip (Ellie Butterwick 29), Mollie Burgess, Leighanne Robe, Grace Gillard, Hollie Wride (Dawn Mallett 70), Josie Green, Stacie Donnelly, Jenna Dear, Kate Natkiel, Kim Farrow (Ellie Mason 45)
Subs not used: Sasha Adamson, Maddie Scheffer
Everton (4-4-2): Megan Walsh, Vicky Jones, Lindsay Johnson, Gabby George, Dan Turner, Emily Hollinshead (Megan Alexander 61), Millie Turner, Michelle Hinnigan, Lucy Whipp, Simone Magill (Claudia Walker 81), Kelly Jones (Paige Williams 58)
Subs not used: Kirstie Levell, Ellie Stewart, Dani Young