The Blues secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Club Albion at the Academy Stadium.
First-half goals from Nikita Parris and Jane Ross gave Nick Cushing’s side a commanding lead at the break, and though the hosts had chances to extend the lead in the second half, proved enough to progress.
Having started the season with a 100% record, the Blues headed into the clash full of confidence and desperate to move a step closer to the final at the national stadium.
Following three games in quick succession, Cushing opted to rotate, handing competitive debuts to Marie Hourihan, Zoe Tynan and Alethea Paul. Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott were rested, whilst Toni Duggan was named on the bench.
The Blues started brightly, testing the Albion defence as early as the first minute. Daphne Corboz released Parris down the right and the winger saw her effort deflect into the side-netting.
Kosovare Asllani then dragged an effort wide, before the deadlock was broken on seven minutes.
Asllani was the architect, curling an excellent cross-field ball into the path of Parris. The England under-23 international delayed her shot and looked to have missed the opportunity, but Albion’s attempted clearance hit the forward and bounced in off the bar.
It was a huge slice of luck but City didn’t care, and it settled nerves of those fearing an upset.
The Blues continued to dominate. Ross fired off-target, as did Corboz, before the Scot netted her second goal in as many games on 22 minutes.
Parris was involved again and was unfortunate to see her shot well-saved, but the rebound fell kindly for her teammate who duly converted.
Spurred by another vocal home following, City pressed for a third. Parris saw a header cleared off the line by Leigh Dugmore, and Steph Houghton watched goalkeeper Rebecca Thomas push away one of her trademark free-kicks.
The hosts continued where they left off after the break.
Corboz went close on a number of occasions and Parris thought she’d extended the lead - only to see her rebound scrambled inches wide.
As the onslaught continued, the chances continued to arrive but the Blues were unable to add to their tally.
There was almost a late scare as Trina Greaves struck the woodwork with a long-range shot - but that was the closest the Premier League Northern Division side came to scoring and City sailed comfortably into the last four...
