Ruby Mace celebrates scoring for Everton against Birmingham City in the Women's Super LeagueGetty Images
Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Ruby Mace scored twice as Everton beat Birmingham City at Goodison Park for their third Women's Super League win of the season.

The hosts put last week's defeat in the Merseyside derby behind them as they moved above neighbours Liverpool and into fifth place.

The 12th-minute opener came when Yuka Momiki's shot crashed against the post but she teed up Mace from the rebound and the England forward fired into the top corner from close range against the club where she had a spell in 2021.

Birmingham responded just three minutes later when Oceane Hurtre collected Chancelle Effa Effa's through-ball and slotted into the bottom corner.

City had chances as midfielder Neve Herron latched on to Hurtre's free-kick but her shot was pushed behind by Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, while Millie Turner headed over.

However, Everton claimed the success with 18 minutes left when Mace's effort from the edge of the box flew into the far corner via two deflections.

While they moved a point behind fourth-placed Spurs, Birmingham remain second bottom and still winless after five games following their top-flight return.

Player of the match

R. Mace
9.63
30 R. Mace
9.63
5 N. Layzell
8.80
18 Ornella Vignola
8.20
29 Y. Momiki
8.00
8 R. van Gool
7.60
33 M. Pacheco
7.20
9 H. McNamara
7.20
25 H. Silcock
7.00
6 H. Hayashi
7.00
11 H. Cain
7.00
2 H. Blundell
6.80
21 Z. Kramžar
6.60
3 R. Ishikawa
6.40
1 C. Brosnan
6.33
13 H. Kitagawa
6.00
7 C. Wheeler
6.00
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