November Player of the Month nominee White netted her third goal in as many league games to break the deadlock before Bonner’s first goal of the season doubled the lead 90 seconds later.
Beckie’s header on the brink of half-time sealed the points to cap a superb afternoon and ensure the visitors leapfrogged Everton in the table to keep pace with the league leaders.
There was further cause for celebration with PFA Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp‘s return from injury. The forward was introduced from the bench for the final 20 minutes for her first taste of action since August’s Community Shield curtain raiser.
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WHAT HAPPENED
Familiar foe, the two sides had already locked horns on three occasions in 2020/21: in the Women’s FA Cup Final, Continental Cup and a pre-season friendly.
While City had emerged victorious by a 3-1 scoreline in all three, each of this season’s encounters had proven tight affairs (with the Wembley clash forced into extra-time).
Everton headed into this meeting unbeaten at home in their opening four league games but with a depleted squad, missing several key names.
Eager to claim an early advantage, City started well and were inches away from securing a dream start, as Demi Stokes’ teasing cross just evaded the crucial touch.
Bonner then headed over the bar, as the visitors continued to dominate the early exchanges.
The breakthrough arrived just before the 25-minute mark, as Caroline Weir floated the perfect delivery to White, who planted a looping header over Sandy MacIver.
Within two minutes, the lead was doubled as Bonner converted a corner at the backpost.
With City in control and with lessons learned from November’s league Manchester Derby draw, Taylor’s side sought to extend our lead.
Beckie spurned the chance to make it three before the half-hour mark, bearing down on goal and curling just wide of the nearpost.
Bonner almost doubled her personal tally for the season, hooking a tight-angled volley just over the bar, while Weir almost turned provider once again – only for her cross to bounce agonisingly wide.
Beckie did make it three before the break though, heading home Weir’s delivery to effectively kill the contest.
Though the second half bore little in terms of goalmouth action, City continued to dominate and remained comfortable throughout.
Jill Scott was unfortunate not to add further gloss to the scoreline with a goal against her former club, as she headed just wide, but three goals would mark an excellent afternoon’s work at Walton Hall Park and importantly, boost the goal difference.
