Roord does the trick for red hot Gunners

JILL ROORD started her season with a hat-trick as ARSENAL thrashed READING 6-1. Kim Little gave the hosts the lead when she showed good technique to volley home from 15 yards out from Leah Williamson’s chipped cross. Vivianne Miedema, last season’s 16-goal WSL top scorer, got off the mark with a composed finish from Jordan Nobbs’ pass before fellow Holland star Roord made it 3-0 at the break. Roord completed her hat-trick with tidy finishes at the end of good moves either side of Miedema’s second goal, fired in off the bar from 20 yards. Danielle Carter hit a late consolation but little went right for Reading — Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock was making her debut and had her name misspelled on her shirt. Adriana Leon fired a superb equaliser as WEST HAM kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw at TOTTENHAM. Kit Graham hit the bar twice as Spurs dominated the first half and took the lead through a Grace Fisk own goal. But the Hammers levelled four minutes later when Canada forward Leon cut in from the

left and drilled the ball into the top right corner. Captain Lucy Graham scored twice as EVERTON began their campaign with a 4-0 win at BRISTOL CITY.

Graham also set up the opener for Simone Magill, while France striker Valerie Gauvin completed the victory. Megan Connolly and Inessa Kaagman scored within two second half minutes as Hope Powell’s BRIGHTON began their campaign with a 2-0 win over BIRMINGHAM. The Midlanders had four players making debuts and a new manager in Carla Ward but could not fill the bench.