Stanway netted the leveller with four minutes of normal time remaining, after halved the deficit created by Millie Bright and Ji So-Yun’s first-half strikes, to keep her side’s title hopes alive.
The youngster’s sensational long-range effort prevented Chelsea from opening up a four-point lead atop the Super League table and she believes the spirit shown by Nick Cushing’s side has issued a warning to Emma Hayes’ side.
“It feels like we’ve won the game, although it was only a draw,” she stated.
“The first half performance was not up to our standards but we put it right in the second half and hopefully, we can grow from here.
“It shows what we’re capable of and that the bench is just as important as the starting team. Nick can put anyone on and they’ll do a job.
“We showed we have the character to come back from 2-0 down. We’ve got the endeavour and we’ll work hard to get to where we want to be.”
Stanway was introduced from the bench in a bid to spark a revival, alongside Claire Emslie and Jane Ross.
As she did against Birmingham in the FA Cup, the young forward made a game-changing impact and she was delighted to do so in a game with so much at stake.
“It feels brilliant,” she declared. “Coming on, you always expect to make a difference.
“Nick brought me on with Claire and Jane to try to give a bit of fight and try to boost the team a bit more. I think we did that.
“Running up and down the sideline (as a substitute), all you want to do is run on the pitch. My time came and hopefully, I showed the team what I’m capable of.
“In the second half, we dominated more and we’ll go home happy with the result.”
Reflecting on her goal – a long-range screamer which flew into the top corner – Stanway laughed: “I can’t remember it!
“I think it was Jill who passed it to me. I just put my foot through it and it happened to land in the top corner. I can’t complain!”
The forward also praised the City fans for their input throughout the contest.
“The fans are massive for us,” she added. “We had a good crowd out and they are our 12th player.
“When we get the ball forward, they are always cheering and automatically, that puts the opposition defence under pressure.
“It’s important for us to keep the fanbase growing and keep the fans entertained. We did that.
“Now, we’ll reflect and take our lessons into the next game after the international break – the Continental Tyres Cup final.”
