The winger bagged twice and claimed an assist to maintain the Blues’ 100% record – in 2017/18 and against the Black Cats overall since joining the Super League in 2014.
On another historic day for the Club, captain Steph Houghton made her 100th appearance – fittingly, it arrived in her hometown against the side she made her senior debut for, aged 13.
What happened…
City headed into the clash, having secured a place in the Continental Tyres Cup final last time out with a 1-0 victory at Chelsea.
With the Londoners having defeated Everton in the league earlier in the day, it was imperative Nick Cushing’s side left South Shields with all three points and the omens were positive – the Blues had emerged victorious every time they had met the Black Cats and Parris in particular held a fine goalscoring record against the North East outfit.
On a windy afternoon and in difficult conditions, the visitors dominated the early proceedings without testing Sunderland goalkeeper Rachael Laws.
Abbie McManus created the first attempt on ten minutes with a low drive from outside the area, which flew just wide.
City kicked into gear on the quarter hour, as Houghton went in search of an assist on her memorable day, racing into the penalty area from her own half before crossing for Christiansen, who stretched but could not convert.
Jill Scott and Keira Walsh then fired straight at Laws, while was called into action at the other end to deny Dominque Bruinenberg and Rachel Pitman.
Emslie then had the ball in the net but was denied by the referee’s whistle, as Helen Conley blew for a foul on Laws.
The pressure would herald a goal four minutes later, as McManus played a neat one-two with Parris, before clipping a cross to Izzy Christiansen. The midfielder headed goalward and a lurking Parris poked home from close range.
The Blues continued where they left off after the break and doubled the advantage on 56 minutes. Parris turned provider this time, crossing for Christiansen to plant a header past Laws to repay the earlier favour.
The pair then combined once again as Christiansen floated an inch-perfect ball over the top to Parris, who drilled in off the post for her fifth City goal against Sunderland.
Houghton almost marked her special day with a goal but hooked at Laws, while Bridget Galloway spurned the chance to pull one back for the hosts, firing over Bardsley’s crossbar.
Nadia Nadim was unfortunate not to grab her third goal in as many games in injury time, but headed wide.
The Blues saw out their three-goal advantage to continue a remarkable campaign.
How we lined up…
Bardsley returned to the starting line-up, shielded by a defensive four of McManus, Jen Beattie, captain Houghton and South Shields-born Demi Stokes.
Keira Walsh protected the back line, behind former Sunderland star Scott and Christiansen while Emslie and Parris occupied the wings. Nadim operated as the lone striker.
What it means…
City remain two points above second-placed Chelsea in the Super League, with seven wins from seven and 27 goals scored.
What’s next…?
Cushing’s side travel to Chelsea on Thursday 1 February (7:45pm), looking to extend our advantage against our title rivals.
The Blues then kick of the 2017/18 FA Cup campaign with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday 4 February (2pm).
