The winger netted twice against the Reds as the Blues romped to victory with a clinical display, climbing back to the top of the Super League table in the process.
The England star opened the scoring after a minute with a huge slice of good fortune, as the ball struck her in the face and trickled over the line – a moment she recalls with amusement.
With the lead, the home side rarely looked like relinquishing it and produced a superb second half display to cruise to an emphatic win, thanks to Parris’ second strike, plus an Izzy Christiansen penalty and Abbie McManus effort.
Parris praised her side’s efficiency and ruthlessness.
“The early goal was a big positive for us,” she reflected. “It came with a bit of luck – it would be a total lie if I said I meant it as I was too busy rubbing my face to realise it was a goal! – but I’ll take any goal as it comes.
“They were always going to sit deep. We thought they would do that a bit higher but they sat on their 18-yard box and we have to break them down.
“It was all about the persistence to keep pressing and keep grinding them down.
“In the second half, we got more goals as they lost momentum and fitness towards the end.”
Parris also commended City’s strength in depth, as the Blues produced a solid display despite missing Steph Houghton, Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott – plus long-term absentees Tessel Middag, Megan Campbell and Pauline Bremer.
“No matter who’s out on the pitch, we put in a performance,” she added. “The girls who come in know their job.
“That’s one of the great things about this Club – no matter who steps in the position, they are always going to put in a performance.
“We’re definitely not feeling the pressure (despite the injuries). Every player has got to lift that little bit more and give a little bit extra.
“The girls were in form – we scored four goals and it was a great performance.”
The winger also declared she is enjoying the best form of her career. Ever humble though, she credits her development to those around her.
“Credit to Nick and his coaching staff,” she declared. “It hasn’t been an easy road – it’s been up and down – but he was determined to keep pushing me in ways I didn’t even believe he could.
“Now, we’re reaping the benefits – both the team and myself.
“Scoring goals is my job – it’s what I should be doing each and every week and I’ll continue to push myself to do that.
“We gave Chelsea a little time up there on top to see how it is but we’re back two points clear now.
“We’ll take each game as it comes and at the end of the season, we’ll see what happens.”
