A staggering 44,259 attended the Etihad Stadium to take in the Barclays Women’s Super League meeting, which set a new Club record for a women’s fixture.
And the action on the field didn’t disappoint, as Gareth Taylor’s side battled back from a goal down to earn a point and extend our unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions.
After Leah Galton had given the visitors the lead, Laura Coombs cancelled out the strike with a neat header following an inviting Chloe Kelly cross.
The equaliser was the England international’s fourth goal of the season – one she’s certainly treasuring alongside the immense presence of supporters.
“It [the fans’ support] was incredible. The noise, it felt like everyone from Manchester turned out for us today and it was a really incredible day,” Coombs reflected.
“I hope we put on a performance for the crowd. We would love them to come back again.
“It’s amazing, and I can’t put it into words what crowds like this [mean]. It’s so special for us as players and we just wished days like this would come more often.
“I just can’t believe the ball made it to me. I thought ‘Oh my god’ and it was probably the easiest chance I’ll ever get, but I’m really happy to have scored and it was a great day.
“Often goals come like that, against the run of play a little bit, but it took the sting out of them. It was an amazing feeling.”
The draw with the Red Devils reflects the first time City have come from behind to gain points this term.
Following our defeats to Aston Villa and Chelsea at the start of the term, Taylor’s side recorded nine consecutive victories in which we never found ourselves on the losing side.
And Coombs explains the derby fightback was a sign of the strong character of this City team.
“Even though we went behind, I never felt like we were out of the game. The mentality of this team, we don’t know when we’re beaten and I just knew we were going to come back.
“We’re just gutted we didn’t get the three points, but we’re happy to come away with a draw.”
Watch the full interview with Coombs above!
