Everton begun their League Cup campaign with a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Goals from Jess Park and Bunny Shaw put the visitors in the driving seat to secure the first points of the group stage.

A late header from Toni Duggan gave Everton belief heading into the final stages, but ultimately her strike was to only be a consolation in what was a challenging fixture for the Blues. 

Boss Brian Sorensen made five changes from the defeat to Leicester City which included a debut for Alyssa Aherne who came into the forward line. 

It was an even contest in the opening stages, but former Everton loanee, Park struck first to give the visitors the lead.

Shaw's run into the box saw the Jamaica international play the ball across goal for Park whose acrobatic finish along the left side put City ahead. 

A quick start from Gareth Taylor's side in the second half saw them double their lead.

Mary Fowler intercepted a pass within the Blues box and found Shaw. Her effort arriving high into the top corner past Courtney Brosnan. 

The Blues came close to pulling a goal back late into the second half. 

A superb driving run from Heather Payne saw the Ireland international find Lucy Hope at the back post. The Scot's header was goal-bound until the leg of Sandy MacIver steered the ball wide. 

The hosts ended up with their deserved goal and it was Duggan who found it.

Returning this season after the birth of her daughter, Luella, the number nine got on the end of Payne's ball into the box to head past MacIver in injury time.

It was too little, too late though as City held on for the win. 

Brian Sorensen's side will now turn their attention to Sunday for their trip to Anfield for the Merseyside derby.