A solitary Corrine Yorston header a minute before the break proved enough for the win, ensuring the Vixens leapfrogged the Mancunian outfit while clinching their top division status for another season.
The result left City ruing a host of spurned chances – particularly in the first half, as the away side dominated possession only to find Bristol goalkeeper Mary Earps in splendid form.
The Vixens’ shot-stopper was equal to everything that came her way, securing a second Bristol triumph over the league newcomers this season.
City headed into the clash unbeaten in three following last weekend’s win at Everton Ladies. In contrast, the hosts entered the game on the back of five defeats in their last six games – but the Mancunian outfit knew they could not be complacent against a side that emerged victorious from the reverse fixture back in April.
The visitors knew they could climb as high as fourth with a victory and Cushing made just two changes to the side that notched a 3-0 win at the Select Security Stadium last time out.
Defender Nicki Harding received her first start of the season in place of Chelsea Nightingale, while Keira Walsh operated in front of the back line, allowing Jill Scott to join Isobel Christiansen in a more advanced role. Toni Duggan and Krystle Johnston took their positions down the wings, with Natasha Flint up front.
Both sides started the game positively and eager to gain the perfect start. Karen Bardsley was called into action on a number of occasions early on, before Scott scuffed a shot off-target at the other end.
Throughout the first period, the midfielder proved to be the visitors’ main threat. The England star fired wide before forcing Earps into two fine saves low to her right.
Bristol seemed content to pose their danger on the counter attack but failed to trouble Bardsley after their strong start. City on the other hand looked comfortable in possession, playing some fine football and pressing forward in search of the opener.
With Scott the instigator once again, Duggan was unlucky not to break the deadlock, after latching on to a through-ball but failing to beat Earps.
Typically, the visitors were made to pay for their missed chances as the hosts dealt a hammerblow just before half-time.
Natalia Pablos Sanchon received the ball out on the wing, before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Yorston to head past Bardsley and give the home side an arguably undeserved lead at the break.
A little shell-shocked to have fallen behind, it took a while for Cushing’s side to regain their foothold in the game. Desperate to claw themselves back into the encounter, the Mancunian outfit lost their composure in a bid to try and create chances quickly.
They were almost punished on the counter attack for the second time as Nicola Watts curled a shot just wide and a defensive mix-up almost lead to an easy tap-in.
Duggan fired straight at Earps once again and it was beginning to look like one of those days for Cushing’s side.
In a bid to turn the game in the visitors’ favour, the City bosss brought on Betsy Hassett and Danielle Young. The change did settle the away side but still the visitors could not find that elusive goal.
Christiansen, Young and captain Steph Houghton all saw half chances sail wayward as the away side pressed with the clock ticking down.
It just wasn’t to be their day though. The ball never seemed to fall kindly in and around the box and the hosts held on for the victory, which could have been more flattering had Bardsley not produced a fantastic stop to deny substitute Laura del Rio late on.
Next up for Manchester City Women is the visit of high-flying Birmingham City Ladies on Sunday 5 October.
City v AS Roma – tickets available!
Tickets are still available for City’s opening home Champions League clash against AS Roma on 30 September (7:45pm BST).
Don’t miss out on this crucial encounter as Manuel Pellegrini’s men look to continue their European adventure with this must-win tie against the Italian outfit.
European nights at the Etihad Stadium under the lights are always special so get your tickets now.
