Six different goalscorers – Jill Scott, Claire Emslie, Jane Ross, Nikita Parris, Nadia Nadim and Mel Lawley – were on target in a clinical display at the Stoke Gifford Stadium, as the Blues leapfrogged Chelsea on goal difference.
Nick Cushing’s reigning Champions started the day three points and three goals behind the league leaders. Fired up from the weekend’s Champions League exit and in the knowledge every goal could prove crucial as we enter ‘the business end’ of the league campaign, the visitors produced a dominant and professional performance to kick-start the title charge with four games remaining.
What happened…
Buoyed by home comforts and also keen to finish the season strongly, Bristol started brightly and almost opened the scoring inside five minutes – only for Poppy Wilson’s effort to creep wide of Karen Bardsley’s goal.
City responded well, as Steph Houghton fired a free-kick over the bar, while Parris forced Sophie Baggaley into a smart stop before Emslie’s rebound was cleared off the line.
At the other end, Georgia Stanway did well to thwart Millie Turner’s free-kick before the away side upped the ante.
Abbie McManus went close with a header, before Houghton tried her luck with another set-piece, which flew wide.
The deadlock was broken four minutes before the break, courtesy of Scott, who rose to head into the top corner after Jen Beattie’s original attempt was deflected into her path.
Lifted by the opener, City took control in the second half and stepped up several gears.
Stanway was unfortunate not to add to the tally with a trademark long-range attempt but Emslie – on her old stomping ground – fared better two minutes later with a wonderful free-kick, which curled beautifully into the back of the net.
Smelling blood, the goal-hungry Blues pressed for more. Scott was denied her second of the game by Baggaley, although the visitors would not have to wait long for a third.
Ross continued her impressive scoring streak in the process, rounding the Bristol shot-stopper and slotting into the empty net. City were on fire.
Barely two minutes had passed before Parris had bagged the fourth with a bullet, lifting Cushing’s side top of the league on goal difference as things stood.
Bristol fought back with a consolation goal five minutes later through Turner and could have had another through Yana Daniels, who was denied by Bardsley.
The Blues reacted well though, seeking to restore the advantage. That feat was achieved through substitute Nadim, as she clipped the ball delightfully over Baggaley with ten minutes left.
There was still time for another substitute to write her name onto the scoresheet when Lawley’s cross-shot ended up in the back of the net, despite the Bristol ‘keeper’s attempts.
It was a pivotal victory for the Blues and a statement of intent, warning all the league trophy will not be surrendered without one hell of a fight.
What it means...
City sit top of the Super League table on goal difference, level on points with Chelsea (32) after 14 games but with a two-goal advantage over Emma Hayes’ side (+28).
How we lined up...
Cushing made three changes to the side that started at Lyon on Sunday, as Esme Morgan, Emslie and Ross replaced Demi Stokes, Lawley and Izzy Christiansen.
Bardsley took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of McManus (employed at left-back), Beattie, captain Houghton and Morgan.
Keira Walsh operated in the defensive midfield role, behind Stanway and Scott, while Emslie and Parris occupied the wings. Ross led the line upfront.
What’s next...
City have two away trips next week - Liverpool on Tuesday 8 May (7pm) and Arsenal on Saturday 12 May (12:15pm - live on BT Sport). The Blues’ next home game welcomes Yeovil to the Academy Stadium on Wednesday 16 May (7pm).
Tickets for all home games are available and can be purchased online via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
