Daphne Corboz’s first goal of the season and Jane Ross’ fourth goal in as many games separated the sides at Solihull, as the Blues secured an instant return to winning ways following last week’s FA Cup defeat.
In a scrappy affair of few chances, two moments of magic clinched all three points, extending City’s 100% league record to three victories - and three clean sheets.
Nick Cushing’s side headed into the encounter having never won in Solihull, falling to defeat in their debut WSL season and picking up a goalless draw in the opening game of 2015.
The Blues’ boss made one change to the starting XI which featured at Chelsea, as the injured Toni Duggan was replaced by Jennifer Beattie. The Scot, who returned from injury last weekend, made her first start of the season.
Cushing confirmed after the game Duggan’s absence was merely precautionary.
The visitors started brightly, creating two half-chances in the opening eight minutes. Both fell to Nikita Parris, who first skewed wide and then poked over from close range.
Birmingham responded well to the early pressure; their first chance fell to Charlie Wellings, who attempted to hook in at the backpost but saw her effort bounce wide. Mel Lawley then tried her luck from distance, forcing Karen Bardsley into a fine save – and the shot-stopper gathered at the second attempt.
A series of stoppages prevented either side from controlling the ball in the opening 45, and the home side’s quick pressing frustrated City – until the aforementioned piece of quality portrayed their class and broke the deadlock.
Jill Scott was the architect, collecting Demi Stokes’ cross at the near post and backheeling neatly to Parris. The winger’s effort struck the post but fell straight into the path of Corboz, who coolly slotted home.
With the lead, City improved vastly but struggled to test Sophie Baggaley in the Birmingham goal.
After the restart, it took until the 68th minute for another chance of note to be created, as Beattie headed a floated free-kick just off-target.
Steph Houghton then curled a trademark free-kick towards the bottom corner, which Baggaley did well to push wide.
Though the lead was slender, ventures into the City penalty area were few and far between for Birmingham.
The result was sealed in injury time as Parris did well to escape her marker, drive forward and deliver the perfect cross for Ross to head home at the near-post.
Next up for the Blues is a trip to Sunderland on Friday night. The clash kicks-off at 7:45pm and will be broadcast live on BT Sport.
