Manchester United moved closer to qualifying for next season’s Champions League with a routine win against Everton.
Dominique Janssen took advantage of a major mistake from Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan to put United ahead midway through the first half, before Grace Clinton produced a brilliant finish shortly after the break.
Everton came into the game having never beaten United in the Women’s Super League, but it was Brian Sorensen’s side that started on the front foot.
Katja Snoeijs thought she had given the visitors the lead inside two minutes, but referee Phoebe Cross spotted a handball during a scramble in the box.
A lengthy injury stoppage for United’s Jayde Riviere slowed the rhythm of the game, though Toffees striker Kelly Gago did force Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a smart stop from a tight angle.
Everton’s strong start was undone in the 22nd minute when Brosnan spilled what looked to be a routine catch from a free-kick, with Janssen on hand to convert into the empty goal.
United grew in stature thereafter and twice went close in first-half injury-time, Celin Bizet forcing Brosnan into a superb low save before Maya le Tissier crashed a long-range strike off the crossbar.
Clinton doubled United’s lead less than 90 seconds into the second half when she met Leah Galton’s low cross with a clever flick into the bottom corner, the second time this season she has scored against her former club.
United largely coasted through the remainder of the afternoon with Melvine Malard denied a third by a terrific Brosnan save, though injuries suffered by Bizet and Galton could be cause for concern.
United move up to second in the table and need just two wins from their final four games to secure a top-three finish and a return to the Champions League next season.