Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield to maintain WSL derby dominance

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Having won the prematch coin toss, Everton captain Katja Snoeijs denied Liverpool the chance -- as is tradition -- to kick towards the Kop end of the stadium in the second half.

It was a small gesture, but one that immediately signalled Everton's intent to spoil their hosts' party on the opening weekend of the Women's Super League (WSL) season.

Less than two hours later, Snoeijs and her teammates celebrated in front of the travelling supporters having done exactly that; coming from behind to win 4-1 and continue their stunning record at the home of their local rivals.

When, at the end of last season, Everton's women's team were confirmed as the new custodians of Goodison Park -- home to the men's team for more than 130 years -- manager Brian Sorensen jokingly told supporters: "We know it's big shoes to fill, but we already made Anfield our training pitch so we're looking forward to it."

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Of course, the Dane's tongue-in-cheek quip was meant in jest, but it alluded to the monopoly Everton have enjoyed in this fixture in recent years.

Instead, Liverpool once again fell victim to their derby curse, with a superb hat trick from Everton debutant Ornella Vignola and a header from captain Snoeijs helping the visitors to a customary Anfield victory.

In curling emphatically past Courtney Brosnan, Kapocs became the first Liverpool player to score a WSL goal against Everton at Anfield.

Defender Gemma Bonner very nearly joined her on the scoresheet just minutes later, with only a fine fingertip save from Brosnan denying the Reds from extending their lead.

Perhaps it was that sense of lingering frustration that left Liverpool vulnerable to an Everton onslaught early in the second half, with Vignola scoring twice -- in the 54th and the 56th minutes -- to put the game out of reach for Taylor's side.

Everton manager Brian Sorensen has joked of Anfield being his team's 'training pitch,' and so it proved as they won 4-1 in Sunday's Merseyside derby. Jess Hornby - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images

"It's all about consistency from players and the team," Sorensen said postmatch.