Former Shelbourne striker Leanne Kiernan scored within a minute of her introduction as Liverpool edged out Aston Villa on penalties on the opening day of the Conti Cup.
The Cavan native made an instant impact to level the scores after being rested for the Reds' opening cup clash with the Villains.
Her cameo lasted just 15 minutes as she was forced off with a back spasm, but her teammates held on for spot-kicks and prevailed 5-4 against the Super League side.
The result leaves the Reds top of Group A with two points as Sunderland and Sheffield United meet tonight in the other round one game.
Ireland midfielder Megan Connolly scored the only goal as Brighton & Hove Albion edged out a Birmingham City side stacked with Irish stars.
The Cork native finished with composure after Ireland international Louise Quinn could only half-clear an Ellie Brazil cross.
Midfielder Jamie Finn, who has been a constant in Scott Booth's side since making the move from Shels in July, was one of five Irish starters.
Ex-Peamount defender Quinn captained the side, while keeper Marie Hourihan, Harriet Scott and recent debutante Lucy Quinn also started.
Emily Whelan and Eleanor Ryan Doyle, who arrived in the summer from Shels and Peamount respectively, came on in the second half as Birmingham chased a leveller in vain.
Brighton took all three points as they joined West Ham United on top of Group E, as the Hammers edged out London City Lionesses in a local derby.
Former Wexford Youths striker Rianna Jarrett played 70 minutes as the Lionesses fell to a 1-0 defeat.
Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan endured a difficult evening as Everton went down to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in Group B.
And her fellow international keeper Grace Moloney was also on the losing side as Reading opened their cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat at home to Bristol City in Group D.
