Six different goalscorers – Jill Scott, Claire Emslie, Jane Ross, Nikita Parris, Nadia Nadim and Mel Lawley – were on target in a clinical display at the Stoke Gifford Stadium, as the Blues leapfrogged Chelsea on goal difference.
Five goals in the second half sparked excitement and on the edge of your seat stuff, and Cushing stated that the riskiness definitely paid off.
“It was conscious – we opened the game up ourselves and we wanted to get control and get the game in the bag,” the coach explained after the win. “You have to think that 2-0 up gives us a real chance because we know that we’ve got control of the opponents and we’d spoken about it in half time.
“We knew that we would be a bit risky and a bit off plan to see if we could turn it into one of those games where you could win 6-1.
“I thought the players carried themselves well as it’s not our usual style and it was a little uncomfortable at times but I thought the players were excellent.”
“We wouldn’t do it unless we needed to do it but we knew we were three goals behind on goal difference and if we got this game under control we knew we’d be able to score multiple goals.
“It’s risky because 2-0 can quickly turn into 2-1 but to take the game 6-1 – I’m really pleased”
With FA WSL fixtures against Liverpool Ladies and Arsenal Women within the next week, Cushing believes that the recent victory and a return to the top of the table will be a boost for the squad.
“This will breed confidence,” Cushing added. “But Liverpool will be a different game and we will try and get control of that game too.
“Maybe we can try and gets some more goals and take the opportunity.”
Next in the League, City take on Liverpool on Tuesday 8 May, kick-off at 7pm (BST), away at Chester’s ground.
