Izzy Christiansen’s fifth goal in seven games, Jen Beattie’s second in two games and an own-goal handed the Blues a comfortable win at Court Place Farm, extending their 100% start to the season.
The result also continued Nick Cushing’s side’s exceptional record of scoring at least three times in every fixture so far.
In a competition which the Club holds in high regard – as the reigning holders and with the trophy the first major trophy the team had lifted – the pre-match talk from the Blues asserted they had no intention of relinquishing their crown. They were keen to start the 2017/18 journey with a victory – and did so with aplomb.
City side travelled to the south east, having snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Sunday’s league visit of Birmingham, while Oxford had been unbeaten in four of this season’s five encounters, losing only to the Solihull outfit in the opening round of Conti Cup fixtures.
Eager to produce an improved performance from the weekend, the away side dominated possession against the WSL 2 side, creating plenty of chances – but the cup holders lacked accuracy in front of goal in the first half. That was until the 44th minute when they were awarded their third penalty in two games, after Nikita Parris was upended by Ellis Hillman.
Beattie, Keira Walsh, Christiansen and Stanway had all fired off-target, while the latter, plus Parris and Steph Houghton had been thwarted by Demi Lambourne in the Us’ goal.
Christiansen is devastating from the spot though and expertly dispatched the opener.
The game had barely restarted when City netted their second. The Blues regained possession instantly and Stanway bore down on goal before unleashing a crisp finish beyond Lambourne and into the far corner.
The visitors continued where they left off after the break.
Jill Scott forced Lambourne into another stop, while Christiansen went in search of her second but curled just over.
Stanway then made it 3-0, bagging her second of the game by smashing home Emslie’s cut-back and the Scottish winger opened her City account with a sweeping finish from close range on 57 minutes.
Stanway was unfortunate not to have completed her hat-trick on 68 minutes, executing a fine strike which cannoned back off the woodwork.
Beattie made it five with a repeat of last weekend’s winner – heading home a trademark Megan Campbell throw-in – and the Irish defender had a hand in City’s sixth.
Once again, she launched the ball into the penalty area to cause havoc and the ball bounced in off a defender to cap another impressive victory for the Blues.
How they lined up…
Cushing made four changes to the side which came from behind to defeat Birmingham 3-1 on Sunday.
Marie Hourihan took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of Campbell, Beattie, Houghton and Abbie McManus.
Walsh protected the backline behind Scott and Christiansen, who were flanked by Emslie and Parris. Stanway led the line upfront.
Youngsters Ella Toone and Esme Morgan were introduced in the second period, in place of Scott and Houghton.
Next up…
There’s a City double header on Sunday as Cushing’s side host Everton Ladies at the Academy Stadium at 6pm (after the men’s team play Arsenal).
The Blues then travel to Norway for the Champions League Round of 16 away leg at LSK Kvinner, before welcoming Bristol to the Academy Stadium on Sunday 12 November (2pm).
The last 16 second leg at home takes place on Thursday 16 November at 7pm.
Tickets for all City home games are available at tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
