Leeds made it three wins from three, with another 3-1 win against Everton Ladies.

Three second-half goals, made up for a dour first half, which was more notable for the 18 free kicks awarded by the referee – one every two and a half minutes – as much as the on-field action.

The first half also included a disputed penalty for Everton in the fifth minute, which Fara Williams duly despatched; although Carly Telford went the right way, she was unable to stop the ball as it flew in low past her left hand.

Leeds levelled matters in the 52nd minute, with a well-taken header from Jade Moore, followed five minutes later by a well stuck shot from Ellen White, as the League Cup champions begam to exert more of an influence.

In the end, it was left to White to extend her goalscoring tally with a looping header over Everton’s keeper, Rachel Brown, after being played in by Sophie Walton.

“The performance, for me, was better than last week,” said a delighted Rick Passmoor. “It’s not easy to win a cup final, but anyone can do it, it’s just the one game.

“What I want to see is the consitency in our league games, week in, week out, regardless of the opposition. This league is there to be won, and performances like tonight’s are the level we need to be at.”

Next up for Leeds – after a ten-day break for international camps and the Cyprus Cup is the rearranged tie at home to Bristol Academy on Sunday 7 March, 2pm kick-off.