The captain, who sadly missed the game having had Achilles surgery, had called for courage in the build-up to the game, urging belief and unrivalled effort as Gareth Taylor‘s side chased a fourth Conti Cup success.
Coming from behind to triumph with a Caroline Weir brace and Ellen White strike, City produced a superb second half display and Houghton could not hide her delight.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” she told mancity.com. “This is a special trophy for us.
“The girls were fantastic, watching from the side, and in the second half, we showed what we’re about in terms of workrate, effort, intensity. You can’t fault us and that’s what won us that trophy.
“Overall, we showed our quality and had a little bit extra belief. When we go forward, with the pace we have and the finishes, we showed what we’re about and I’m very proud standing here tonight.
“We stuck to the process and when we do that, we’re one of the best teams in this league.
“Hopefully, that shuts a few people up. To have another trophy - one trophy every season - is what we’re about and hopefully, there’ll be another one in the coming months!
“Hopefully, we’ll celebrate later!”
Hear more from Steph in the video above...
