Gareth Taylor’s side were down to ten inside 35 minutes when makeshift right back Georgia Stanway was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Leah Galton, but Khadija Shaw headed City into the lead soon after.
We held on until the 72nd minute, but quickfire goals from Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo turned the game on its head to give the hosts the advantage.
Nonetheless, City rallied and were rewarded for a dogged display when Ellen White equalised from close-range soon after, and Stokes felt the 2-2 draw was just rewards for our efforts.
She reflected: “I think obviously it’s been a rough couple of weeks and I’m really proud of the performance the team put in.
“I think that’s what it’s about, Gareth (Taylor) could’ve picked anyone and anyone would’ve done that job but yet again, credit to the girls and the team.
“We showed great courage today.
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“We’ve just got to keep going, you can’t dwell on the negatives.
“You’ve got to keep moving forward and demanding from yourself and the team.
“I’m really proud and it’s a step forward and we’re moving in the right direction.”
Hear Demi Stokes’ post-Manchester Derby thoughts in full via the video above…
