Throwback to a six-star display at the Stoke Gifford Stadium, as City ran riot against Bristol City...
Six different goalscorers – Jill Scott, Claire Emslie, Jane Ross, Nikita Parris, Nadia Nadim and Mel Lawley – were on target in a clinical performance, as the Blues leapfrogged Chelsea on goal difference.
The deadlock was broken four minutes before the break, courtesy of Scott, who rose to head into the top corner after Jen Beattie’s original attempt was deflected into her path.
Lifted by the opener, City took control in the second half and stepped up several gears. Georgia Stanway was unfortunate not to add to the tally with a trademark long-range attempt but Emslie – on her old stomping ground – fared better two minutes later with a wonderful free-kick, which curled beautifully into the back of the net.
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Ross continued her impressive scoring streak, rounding the Bristol shot-stopper and slotting into the empty net. City were on fire.
Barely two minutes had passed before Parris had bagged the fourth with a bullet, lifting Nick Cushing’s side top of the league on goal difference as things stood.
Bristol fought back with a consolation goal five minutes later through Millie Turner and could have had another through Yana Daniels, who was denied by Karen Bardsley.
The Blues reacted well though, seeking to restore the advantage. That feat was achieved through substitute Nadim, as she clipped the ball delightfully over Baggaley with ten minutes left.
There was still time for another substitute to write her name onto the scoresheet when Lawley’s cross-shot ended up in the back of the net, despite the Bristol ‘keeper’s attempts.
