A dominant Manchester City side ran out 3-0 winners over Championship side Sunderland,
making it two wins from two in the Conti Cup.
Gareth Taylor named a strong side for the cup game with the WSL’s join top scorer Khadija
Shaw leading the line. Steph Houghton was recalled to action as she captained her side,
making her 8th appearance of the season.
City dominated the game from kick off and didn’t have to wait long before they broke the
deadlock just eight minutes in. Greenwood delivered a corner which was kept alive by a
determined Khadija Shaw. The ball fell to the feet of Swedish international, Filippa Angedahl
who unselfishly squared the ball to Julie Blakstad who was there for the tap in.
Taylor’s side continued to dominate the game and create chances, with Blakstad nearly getting her second of the game moments later.
As the match grew on, Sunderland began to grow into the game and had a short spell of
chances. The Black Cats’ came closet to an equaliser when captain Brianna Westrup directed
her header over the bar from a corner.
City regained possession and continued to dominate with chances. Defender Esme Morgan had a chance just before halftime to double the lead as she connected with a cross but the header was just wide of the post.
It was a dream second half start for boss Gareth Taylor as his side were up within two minutes
of the restart. A through ball was met by winger Hayley Raso who clinically put the ball into the back of the net to double City’s lead.
The Citizens’ added to their tally as Khadija Shaw found the net for the 11th time this season. A defence splitting ball from Steph Houghton was met by the Jamaican international who smashed the ball into the net to seal the three points.
As the three points were more than likely in the bag Ruby Mace was introduced into the game, marking her return after a muscular injury. The 19-year-old nearly made her mark on the game as her shot from 25-yards out just went over the crossbar.
In the end the WSL side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners as their quality showed, but a
defensive performance to be proud of for Sunderland. Manager, Mel Reay admitted that the
score line was a fair result but that the game was always going to be a challenge.
City remain second in their Conti Cup group, with two more games to play they will hope to
proceed in the competition after being crowned champions earlier this year. The result means City have extended their winning run to 7 games in all competitions.
Sunderland will turn their attention back to the Championship as they travel to Coventry in a
massive bottom of the table clash, with both teams desperate to pick up points.