Ornella Vignola’s debut hat-trick gives Everton win at Liverpool in WSL opener

Ornella Vignola hit a hat-trick on debut as Everton secured a 4-1 opening-weekend derby win at Liverpool in the Women’s Super League.

Vignola, signed from Granada in the summer, got the Toffees back on level terms after Cornelia Kapocs had given the hosts an early lead in their first match under new head coach Gareth Taylor.

Katja Snoeijs’ late first-half header put the visitors ahead at the break lead before Uruguayan Vignola struck twice in three minutes early in the second period to put Everton firmly in control.

Melvine Malard fired a late double for Manchester United as they launched their league campaign with a 4-0 home win against Leicester.

England forward Ella Toone had given Marc Skinner’s side an early lead and Elisabeth Terland’s header made it 2-0 at half-time before France forward Malard added her brace to wrap up a comfortable victory.

Bethany England’s late penalty ensured Tottenham’s new manager Martin Ho made a winning start as his side beat London rivals West Ham 1-0 at Brisbane Road.

England coolly converted four minutes from full-time after Hammers skipper Katrina Gorry had hauled down Eveliina Summanen in the box.

Brighton and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw in their opening match in front of watching England boss Sarina Wiegman.

Rachel Daly and Lynn Wilms struck the woodwork for Villa, while England forward Michelle Agyemang also hit a post for the Seagulls.