Kelly Gago struck twice as Everton overpowered Leicester 4-1 in the Women’s Super League.

Katja Snoeijs and Honoka Hayashi were also on target at Walton Hall Park as the Toffees turned on the style in the second half to ease their relegation fears.

Shannon O’Brien had kept Leicester in the game with a first-half equaliser, but Everton proved too strong after the break and the defeat leaves the visitors just three points off the bottom.

Everton made an excellent start as Heather Payne broke into the area after five minutes and squared for Gago to power home the opener.

Snoeijs went close to adding a second with a low drive that went just wide before Hannah Cain shot over for Leicester.

Leicester drew level after 16 minutes when Yuka Momiki fed O’Brien in the area and she beat Courtney Brosnan with a low shot across goal.

Everton threatened again in the closing stages of the first half as Clare Wheeler shot over, but they reclaimed the lead after 48 minutes when Toni Payne crossed for Snoeijs to strike.

Missy Goodwin volleyed over as Leicester tried to respond, but Everton took a firm grip when Hayashi found the net with a superb long-range effort from a corner.

Gago claimed the fourth and her second when she headed home from another Toni Payne cross after 69 minutes and Elise Stenevik was inches away from making it five late on.