The PFA Young Player of the Year netted for the first time against Aston Villa as City knocked four past the midland outfit to top their Continental Cup group and progress to the next round of the competition.
Gemma Bonner, Janine Beckie and Jess Park were also on the scoresheet, but after returning from injury to claim a goal and an assist, the match was a special one for Hemp.
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“I’m so happy that I scored my first goal, it’s a long time coming! I’ve been out for a while so it’s great to come back and score,” Lauren told ManCity.com.
“Obviously, it was hard being in the stands and watching on over the past few months, but I’ve been working really hard in the gym and it’s now showing on the pitch with me getting my goal.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially getting three points and going into the Christmas break undefeated - it’s a great push for the squad as we head into the second half of the season.”
City now break for Christmas, but Hemp explained how finishing top of their group is a real boost for the squad ahead of their return to action in the new year.
“We’ve all got a buzz (finishing top of the group) and hopefully we can go home and have a nice time to relax over Christmas and be back to carry this on next year,” the 18-year-old added.
“I think we need to keep our heads down as a group and keep working hard. Hopefully we will continue to progress.
“We have definitely improved since the start of the season and we are now just looking to push on - hopefully we can carry on how the year has ended.”
