Goals from from Caroline Weir, Lauren Hemp and Nikita Parris secured all three points for City whilst it was also a landmark day for defender Demi Stokes, who made her 100th appearance for the club.
What happened
It was a tough opening to the game for both sides who had to battle the intense weather conditions at Rush Green Training Ground, though it was City who were to soon make the break-through.
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Just 15 minutes into the game, Weir latched onto the end of a superb through-ball from Steph Houghton and calmly slotted it home to give City the lead.
Nick Cushing’s side continued to have the better chances of the half with both Houghton and Hemp going close just shortly after Weir’s opener, and City’s attempts to double their lead were not to be in vain for much longer.
A sublime counter-attack and a stunning 25-yard curler from Hemp saw City go 2-0 up over the Hammers 38 minutes in.
West Ham came close to getting a foot back in the game on the stroke of half-time. but Stokes was there to clear a shot from Brianna Visalli off the line.
It was not to be the start to the second half that City would have hoped for. 58 minutes in, a misplaced pass from Houghton fell to West Ham’s Alisha Lehmann, who slotted the ball through to Jane Ross. With Ellie Roebuck out of position, Ross was able to tap the ball into the back of the net to get one back for the home side.
Keen to wrap up the tie and not let West Ham back into the game, the Blues began to push hard for a third. Chances came via a Weir free-kick in the 75th minute followed by a trademark long-distance shot from Stanway just minutes later, though both opportunities came to nothing.
However that third goal finally came for City just five minutes before the end. A fantastic burst down the wing from second-half substitute Janine Beckie followed by a perfectly weighted cross into the box allowed Parris to add her name to the score sheet and ensured that City would come away with all three points!
How we lined up
Roebuck featured in goal for City with a back four of Stokes, Beattie, Houghton and Bonner in front of her.
Walsh, Scott, Weir and Stanway occupied the midfield for us whilst Hemp and Parris lead the attack.
Up next
City return to the Academy Stadium in two-weeks time to take on Brighton and Hove Albion as they look to continue their push for the FA WSL title.
Rushing’s side face The Seagulls on 27 January in a 2pm kick-off
