Everton Ladies defender Georgia Brougham insists lessons will be learned after the Blue Girls opened their WSL campaign with defeat at Birmingham City.

A goal from Charlie Wellings after just 42 seconds consigned the Toffees to a frustrating loss at Solihull Moors FC on Sunday afternoon.

A better second-half display yielded chances for Claudia Walker, who was only denied a certain equaliser by excellent defending from former Everton youngster Paige Williams, and Chloe Kelly, who blasted wide.

Williams saw a thunderous 25-yard drive come back off the crossbar and England forward Ellen White went close with a couple of half chances as the hosts looked to extend their slender lead.

Defender Brougham, who was part of a back three – part of Head Coach Andy Spence’s tactical switch prior to the new season – insists the Toffees need to improve if they are to achieve their objective of breaking into the upper echelons of the WSL table. 

“We thought we could push and get a goal back but we’re disappointed,” she said. “In the first half we didn’t come out and show what we could do but it was an improved performance after the break.

“We were pushing for a goal but unfortunately it didn’t come.

“As a team, we have to start quicker in games, and start taking our chances when they come.

“We are motivated to win every game. As individuals, we want to do as well as we possibly can. If we can do that then we will start picking up points.

“I’m sure we can push up towards the top half of the table. Last season we were unfortunate with some of the results we got and we know that this time around we need to make sure that’s not the case again.

“We know we can compete with the teams in this league but we have to make sure we have the points to show for it.”