A crowd of 31,213 witnessed City overcome United in the first-ever women’s Manchester derby today, a record attendance for the FA Women’s Super League.
And befitting of such an occasion, a moment of magic was required for City to take the bragging rights, Scottish international Weir firing home a stunning 25-yard second half strike to claim all three points.
Driving to the left hand side of the box, Weir smashed the ball across the keeper straight into the top corner. The Etihad erupted, and City had made their mark on a historic day of women’s football.
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“I just remember picking the ball up, I had some space, so I decided to shoot. It was nice to score” the player of the match said.
“It was a big occasion for us at the Etihad and the support we have had is unbelievable,” Weir continued. “It was a great occasion and a privilege to be a part of. The girls enjoyed it and we would like to thank the supporters for coming out in numbers and showing us their support.”
City had to work for the three points. United’s attack caused problems from the whistle, most notably when keeper Ellie Roebuck was forced to make a superb save from close range.
The visitors also rattled the post late into the second half, but City managed to keep their defence tight and earn a well-deserved clean sheet.
“It was a really tough game. United played really well especially in the first-half,” Weir added. “It was a huge game for us to kick-off the season, so we are obviously delighted to get the win.”
The Manchester derby was not all about the three points, however. A record-breaking attendance demonstrated how far women’s football has progressed, following this summer’s exciting World Cup.
“It’s a great moment for women’s football coming back off the successful World Cup. It’s a turning point for women’s football,” Weir said. “Support is coming from all places. It’s about pushing on and improving at all levels.”
Weir and her teammates will return to the Academy Stadium for our Continental Cup tie against Leicester on 22 September. And although admitting it would be “great to play more games at the Etihad”, the midfielder says the squad are excited about being back at ‘home’..
“Whether its the Academy or the Etihad, it’s City. It’s one club. We don’t focus on the occasion. We had a job to do and the crowd helped us when we weren’t playing at our best,” she added.
