Goals from four different scorers – Nikita Parris, Caroline Weir, Steph Houghton and Claire Emslie – secured victory in Dorchester, as the Blues bagged twice in each half to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
The professional display showcased both sides of the Blues’ qualities, as Nick Cushing’s side were clinical in attack and dogged in defence against the spirited Glovers.
What happened…
The Blues gained control from the off in a one-sided opening 45 which saw the visitors pepper Megan Walsh’s goal without testing the Glovers’ shot-stopper in the early exchanges.
Weir created the game’s first chance, drilling a free-kick into the wall, before Demi Stokes – on her return from injury – fired over the bar.
Jill Scott then fired wide and Georgia Stanway was unsuccessful from range, as the away side continued to press.
Parris then went close, heading over the bar, but she would not be denied her 38th WSL goal, pouncing from close range to convert Keira Walsh’s floated delivery to the backpost.
With the lead, City rarely looked like relinquishing it and Parris, Weir and Stanway were unfortunate not to double the tally but Nick Cushing’s side would take a two-goal cushion into the break, as the Scotland midfielder’ third attempt bore fruit.
Walsh was involved again, claiming her second assist of the game, winning back possession in a dangerous area before playing a delightful through-ball into Weir and unsurprisingly, Weir made no mistake with the finish – a drilled effort into the far corner.
Yeovil finished the half strongly but found themselves restricted to half-chances and counter-attacks. The Blues defence remained resolute throughout on the hosts’ rare ventures into the visitors’ half. Jen Beattie had to be alert with Emily Syme on her tail but coolly played the ball back to Ellie Roebuck, and the newest England debutant was called into action to save well from Georgia Evans just before the break.
The second half proved a much more even contest and the Glovers were unfortunate not to halve the deficit when Annie Heatherson struck the crossbar with a header ten minutes after the restart.
Roebuck then prevented Olivia Fergusson from pulling one back before Amber Gaylor dragged an effort wide.
Having survived the onslaught, City regained possession and sought to extend the lead.
Scott was unfortunate to see her strike crash off the bar from distance but Houghton fared better with a trademark set-piece, curling into the bottom corner to seal the points.
There was time for Emslie to add icing to the proverbial cake, as two of the three substitutes combined. Janine Beckie squared to the Scot, who composed herself before curling beyond Walsh and adding gloss to an admittedly flattering scoreline.
Roebuck did well to preserve her clean sheet with an excellent double save in the last major action of the half, as City closed the points and goal difference gap at the top of the table.
What it means…
City stay within touching distance of Arsenal, six points behind the Gunners after nine games apiece.
The Gunners have a superior goal difference, bolstered by their 4-1 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion, earlier in the day.
How we lined up…
Cushing made two changes to the side that defeated Liverpool 3-0 last time out, as Stokes made her return from injury in place of Esme Morgan and Stanway – fresh from her senior international debut - replaced Emslie.
With Karen Bardsley still sidelined, Roebuck took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of Stokes, Beattie, captain Steph Houghton and Gemma Bonner.
Walsh and Scott protected the defensive four, sat behind midfield duo Weir and Tessa Wullaert.
Stanway and Parris – the league’s new all-time top scorer following her brace in Tranmere – led the line upfront.
What’s next…
The Blues host league leaders Arsenal in a must-win, top-of-the-table clash at the Academy Stadium on Sunday 2 December (12:30pm).
Tickets for all of our home games are available via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
