Megan Campbell got the only goal as Liverpool beat Sunderland in their Group B Women's League Cup clash at Eppleton Colliery.
She curled a free kick into the left corner, from just outside the box, for her first goal for the club ahead of a crucial window for the Republic of Ireland.
International team-mate Lucy Quinn was on target for Birmingham who beat Brighton 3-2 in an entertaining game at St Andrew's.
Quinn finished coolly after finding herself in plenty of space in the box.
Also in the City team was Louise Quinn, Harriet Scott and Jamie Finn, with the latter setting up Jade Pennock for Birmingham's second goal.
Jess Ziu and Isibeal Atkinson started for West Ham who needed penalties to see of London City Lionesses after a 2-2 draw at Prince Park.
Lily Agg came on for the Lionesses on the hour mark and scored her first penalty, but the Hammers emerged victorious 10-9 on spot kicks after Agg missed her second spot kick.
There was disappointment for Diane Caldwell's Reading, as they lost 2-1 to Tottenham at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, although the Balbriggan women did play the full 90 minutes.
While Chloe Mustaki, who started the year at Shelbourne, got in on the scoring act as Bristol City recorded a comfortable 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. The Dubliner finished from close range off a corner as City started their campaign with three points.
soccer
Crystal Palace
Sport
cup
West Ham
Diane Caldwell
Louise Quinn
Lucy Quinn
Megan Campbell
Lily Agg