Manchester City Women 1 – 0 Manchester United Women - Weir’s wonder strike secures Blues’ victory
Substitute Caroline Weir was City’s Manchester derby heroine again as her wonder strike nine minutes from time secured the spoils against United.
Weir, who also sealed her side’s derby win a year ago this weekend, won the game with another sublime chip, this time from 20 yards out and leaving Reds’ goalkeeper Mary Earps helpless.
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Hide AdGareth Taylor’s side dominated almost throughout the clash, which saw them move to within two points of their third-placed opponents in the Barclays FA WSL table.
It was City who made the more purposeful start at a sold-out Academy Stadium.
Spanish ace Vicky Losada volleyed narrowly over the top, then Lauren Hemp missed a glorious opportunity when she somehow scooped over from two yards when she darted in to meet Jess Park’s low cross.
Although City were dominating possession, there was then something of a lull until the hosts threatened again just past the half-hour mark.
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Hide AdIt was Park and Hemp who combined again, with the latter planting a header onto the roof of the net.
Ellen White then guided a header just off target as she met Losada’s in-swinging corner, but there was no breakthrough in the first period.
The increasingly blustery conditions were helped the flow of the game after the restart, though City remained on top.
Park rose high to meet a cross from Demi Stokes, but she couldn’t generate the necessary power in her header.
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Hide AdThe woodwork then saved United, as Park’s arrowing angled strike thumped the post.
The Reds responded with Ella Toone seeing a smart shot saved superbly by Ellie Roebuck, but it was left to Weir to settle the tie for the Citizens with her memorable finish.
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