Manchester United produced another solid display with a 2-0 win at Liverpool to keep up the pace at the top of the Women's Super League.

Hinata Miyazawa had fired the visitors into an early lead, with Ella Toone doubling the advantage in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Liverpool had their chances - hitting a post before the break and also having a strong penalty claim from Cornelia Kapocs turned down - but could not find a way back into the game as they slipped to a third straight WSL defeat.

Tributes had been paid to former Reds boss Matt Beard, who died last weekend, at Liverpool's League Cup win over Sunderland on Wednesday night.

The home fans gave a passionate rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' ahead of kick-off at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with their thoughts again with the man who had guided the club to two WSL titles.

United, though, soon silenced the Liverpool supporters when Miyazawa fired them into an early lead after just four minutes, rifling the ball in after Jess Park's cross from the left.

Japan midfielder Miyazawa then saw her shot from a knockdown by Elisabeth Terland come back off the base of a post.

Liverpool almost snatched an equaliser when Ceri Holland's curling effort was deflected off Julia Zigiotti Olme and United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce reacted quickly to touch the ball onto the woodwork.

United, who drew against Arsenal last weekend, doubled their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Terland shrugged off Gemma Evans before rolling the ball across for Toone to slot into the bottom corner.

The Reds had a great chance to pull a goal back on the hour.

Kapocs latched onto a through ball to race into the penalty area ahead of Jayde Riviere before firing just wide - and then turned to complain she had been fouled by the United defender as the Canadian right-back slid in trying to make a recovery tackle, but the referee was not interested.

In the closing stages, Liverpool substitute Mia Enderby got herself clear down the right and into the area, but could only stab a tame shot straight at Tullis-Joyce.