Shaw hits hat-trick as Man City overwhelm Everton

With nine goals, Khadija Shaw leads Tottenham's Martha Thomas and Brighton's Elisabeth Terland by two in the race for the WSL Golden Boot

Khadija Shaw scored a hat-trick and missed a penalty as Manchester City maintained their Women's Super League title push with a comfortable victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park.

But the 26-year-old Jamaica international made amends just 55 seconds later when she caught Brosnan out with a superbly executed lob from the edge of the box.

Shaw doubled City's advantage when she drilled a low shot past Brosnan midway through the first half and Jill Roord slotted in a third from Chloe Kelly's cut-back to put City in complete control after just 25 minutes.

Aurora Galli's stunning first-time strike from distance reduced the deficit and rewarded a much-improved second-half display by Everton.

But Shaw ended any hopes of a fightback when she headed in Alex Greenwood's free-kick to complete her treble after 65 minutes.

Victory moved City above Chelsea at the top of the WSL on goal difference, with the defending champions in action against Bristol City later on Sunday.

Follow live text updates from Sunday's WSL action

City make title statement in impressive win

Following Arsenal's 1-0 loss to local rivals Tottenham on Saturday, City arrived on Merseyside aware that victory by a three-goal margin would take them top.

City did not take long to assert themselves and, following a frantic start, they set about their task with a relentless intensity and, when required, steely focus.

Beyond the scoreline, it is those characteristics which will have delighted manager Gareth Taylor, whose side extended their winning streak to four WSL matches.

City have hit that run of form after back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Brighton in November saw them drop eight points in their first six games.

Shaw did not dwell on her penalty miss, producing a sumptuous finish to beat the stranded Brosnan and set the tone for the rest of a first half which City dominated.

Everton had their moments, though, but Italy forward Martina Piemonte was denied by Khiara Keating at close range with the game's first real opportunity, while the City goalkeeper was grateful to see a dipping cross hit the bar.

The hosts, who remain seventh, were given a second-half lifeline when Galli guided an excellent right-footed strike into the top corner.

However, Shaw's third goal deflated an Everton side that had appeared to be growing in belief and ensured Taylor's side pause for the winter break full of confidence.

City are not back in WSL action until they host Liverpool on 21 January, while Everton face another title contender when they travel to Arsenal a day earlier.