Everton Women beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Walton Hall Park on Sunday to secure a second successive convincing WSL victory.

Lucy Graham, Izzy Christiansen and substitute Simone Magill were on target for Willie Kirk’s team. 

And while Chloe Arthur netted a stoppage-time consolation for Villa, Everton were well worth their victory following a controlled all-round performance.

The Toffees came into the game aiming to sustain momentum following an outstanding 5-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

Chances were at a premium in the first half but Everton hit the front on 36 minutes when skipper Graham headed in from Christiansen’s sumptuous cross.

The Blues had an opportunity to double their advantage eight minutes after the interval when referee Stacey Pearson pointed to the spot after Hayley Raso’s centre was handled in the area.

Graham took the penalty but saw her effort superbly saved by Villa stopper Lisa Weiss.

Everton were then indebted to Sandy MacIver when the England goalkeeper athletically kept out Freya Gregory’s powerful strike.

And the Blues would soon make it 2-0 after being awarded another penalty just after the hour-mark.

Christiansen – who was excellent throughout – stepped up on this occasion and drilled the ball home to put Everton in command.

Everton bossed proceedings from that point and scored their third when Magill clinically finished from close range.

Arthur’s looping header reduced the arrears for Villa in the dying embers of the game, but it was a job well done by Everton.

The Toffees, who remain fifth in the WSL table, return to action after the international break on Sunday 18 April when Durham visit Walton Hall Park for a fourth-round FA Cup tie.