MAN CITY WOMEN 3, SUNDERLAND AFC LADIES 0
A brilliant hat trick from Georgia Stanway helped title-chasing Manchester City Women strengthen their position at the top of WSL1 with victory against Sunderland AFC Ladies.
It was largely one-way traffic at City’s Football Academy Stadium as the hosts were far too strong for the struggling Black Cats who had won only one league game all season.
And it was 17-year-old Stanway, playing wide left, who produced the clinical finishing her team mates lacked on only her eighth appearance for the club.
An early header from Jane Ross looped over keeper Rachael Laws and hit the crossbar, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter.
City broke the deadlock after 17 minutes following a howler from goalkeeper Laws who allowed Stanway’s low angled shot to creep in at the near post.
Stanway had another effort tripped over by Laws while Lucy Bronze’s strike struck the top of the bar as City looked to build on their advantage.
City only had to endure one anxious moment in the opening half when, late on, Rachel Furness’ cross-cum-shot was brilliantly turned over by keeper Karen Bardsley as it crept under the crossbar.
The second goal came after 54 minutes as Stanway struck for a second time with a sweetly-struck shot from the edge of the box low into the bottom corner after Jill Scott’s blocked effort rebounded into her path.
City almost added a third when substitute Tessel Middag’s effort from inside the six-yard box was cleared off the line.
The third goal eventually came with eight minutes left when Stanway completed her treble with a screamer from 25 yards that flew into the top corner. It followed a sweeping move that ended with Toni Duggan back heeling the ball to Stanway.
City might have added further goals as Duggan had a shot saved by Laws and Stanway had a goalbound effort deflected for a corner.