The champions beat Birmingham 3-1, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham also successful on the opening weekend
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(Reuters)
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Khadija Shaw scored twice in the second half as Manchester City began their Women’s Super League title defence with a 3-1 victory over promoted Birmingham.
City took the lead four minutes after the break when the ball dropped for Australia forward Mary Fowler, who swept into the bottom-right corner.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Shaw then headed home two corners to put the champions firmly in the ascendancy before Oceane Hurtre grabbed a last-minute consolation for Blues.
Elsewhere, Lisa Baum produced a wonderful solo effort in the 10th minute of her Arsenal debut as the Gunners triumphed 1-0 at Brighton.
The 19-year-old picked up possession midway inside the Brighton half and showed neat footwork to shift the ball past a couple of players before unleashing a shot in off the crossbar.
Grace Fisk was at the double as Liverpool enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory at Charlton, newly-promoted to the WSL.
Fisk scored early in each half at The Valley, with Vivien Endemann adding a third goal before Cornelia Kapocs’ stoppage-time penalty sealed the rout.
New Tottenham signing Kirsty Hanson scored twice on her debut to help secure a 3-1 victory over West Ham.
Kirsty Hanson scored twice for Tottenhamopen image in gallery
Kirsty Hanson scored twice for Tottenham (PA)
Hanson’s brace put the hosts in charge after Signe Gaupset had put them ahead, with Viviane Asseyi registering a consolation for the Hammers in the third minute of stoppage time.
Promoted Crystal Palace made a winning start to life back in the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 thanks to Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first-half strike at Borough Sports Ground.
PA