Leicester celebrated a first win under Amandine Miquel by beating fellow Women’s Super League strugglers Everton at the King Power Stadium.

Yuka Momiki’s eighth-minute strike settled a cagey affair and ended Leicester’s winless run of 12 WSL games that had stretched back to February.

The 1-0 victory opened up a three-point advantage over Everton, for whom skipper Megan Finnigan was making her 200th appearance for the club.

At least Everton saw West Ham – 2-0 losers at home to Arsenal – replace them in bottom spot due to goal difference.

In a contest of few clear-cut chances, it was not difficult to see why both sides have struggled so much in front of goal this season.

Both sides had only scored once in the WSL with Everton’s effort actually an own goal from West Ham defender Camila Saez.

Everton’s Honoka Hayashi tested Janina Leitzig in the Leicester goal before the Foxes took the lead for the first time this term.

Shana Chossenotte found Momiki and the Japanese international squeezed the ball through the legs of Justine Vanhaevermaet to fire home from 12 yards for her first WSL goal since March.

Everton responded well with Katja Snoeijs denied from close range and Leitzig rushing from goal to prevent Hayashi from reaching a dangerous through ball.

Leicester had little meaningful possession after Momiki’s goal, but Deanne Rose broke away to send a left-footed shot straight at Courtney Brosnan.

The Everton goalkeeper was also alert to collect Sam Tierney’s header from a Foxes free-kick just before the interval.

Injuries to Chossenotte, Momiki and Snoeijs disrupted the flow of the second half as the lack of attacking ideas remained a constant feature.

Hannah Cain, making a welcome return to Leicester colours after the second anterior cruciate ligament injury of her career, was picked out by Janice Cayman but her attempt was too close to Brosnan.

Everton almost snatched a point deep into stoppage time as Toni Payne met Melissa Lawley’s cross at the far post.

But Payne volleyed wide and French boss Miquel celebrated a maiden win following her summer appointment.