Lauren Hemp’s first Manchester City goal alongside headers from Gemma Bonner and Janine Beckie, plus a Jess Park strike sealed the victory.
What happened
Heading into the clash at Boldmere St Michaels, Nick Cushing’s side has already secured the top spot in their Continental Cup group. With that, the game provided the perfect opportunity to field a younger side and utilise the full depth of the squad.
READ: City stars spread festive cheer to brave children
WATCH: The Jill Scott Christmas Show!
GALLERY: Picture special | Spreading festive cheer
City’s first chance came from the youngest member of the squad, as 17-year-old Park unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the box, but ‘keeper Sian Rogers did well to block it.
The Blues opened the scoring on the 22nd minute when Claire Emslie perfectly pinpointed Bonner at the mouth of goal with a superb cross. Our defender launched into the air and made no mistake as she headed the ball into the roof of the net – her second goal since joining City in the summer.
We didn’t have to wait long for our second.
Another bullet header, this time, from Beckie, who was perfectly positioned to finish off Pauline Bremer’s original attempt.
Teenage-stopper, Fran Stenson, was called upon just a handful of times on her competitive City debut, but when she was needed she stepped up to the challenge.
The young ‘keeper was calm and controlled in goal, making a crucial save on the 70th minute when Alice Hassall drilled a shot towards the bottom corner.
Then, nearly an hour after her first half attempt, Park got her goal.
The teenager appeared from nowhere to smash the ball past Rogers and extend our lead to three, but it was just moments until another was added to the tally.
Hemp registered her first City goal as she knocked in our fourth of the game from close-range, a special moment for the youngster who joined the Blues over the summer.
How we lined up
Stenson took her place in goal shielded by a back three of Esme Morgan, Bonner and Abbie McManus.
Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway were anchored in midfield, with Tessa Wullaert and Park slotted in front.
Beckie and Emslie operated on the wings while Bremer led the line up front.
Up next
Cushing’s side now break for Christmas, and return with an away trip to Bristol in the new year.
