Olivia Clark – 6
Was always likely to have a busy evening between the sticks. Strong stop to deny Filippa Angeldahl from range in the opening exchanges. Would maybe have hoped to keep the opener out having got something on it. Incredible one-on-one stop with her face to deny Khadija Shaw midway through the first half and looked solid for most of the second.
Vicky Bruce – 6
Excellent strength in the tackle while handling the tricky Hayley Raso, sweeping up well on occasions behind her centre-back partners. Faced onslaught of crosses and battled hard throughout against a very impressive frontline. Crucial tackle on Fowler early in the second period.
Naomi Layzell – 6
Was tested like the rest of the backline and grew into the challenge as the game continued. Looked more comfortable in the second half including an excellent sliding tackle in the closing stages. Gave a good account of herself against the reigning champions.
Lia Cataldo (off 51, Wilde) – 5
Had the tough task of trying to stop Lauren Hemp from having an impact and the Lioness wasn’t giving her a moments rest. Couldn’t quite manage to keep her opponent quiet, but there’s very few who tend to.
Elyssia Boddy – 5
Started in what looked like a right wing-back role and found it hard to get too involved while also struggling to deal with Raso defensively. Seemed more comfortable in her midfield role in the second half. Had City’s best chance of the night as she saw her header blocked in the last few minutes.
Emily Syme (off 68, Slocombe) – 6
Flew into a couple of tackles early on and picked up a first half booking. Offered a calm head on the ball and got a foot in to break up a fair few attacks. Forced off after the hour mark with what looked like an injury.
Chloe Bull (off 63, Hutton) – 5
Had to work hard off the ball in the middle of the park, broke up play well at times and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. Had little opportunity to show her ability on the ball but still managed a few clever touches before being subbed early in the second period.
Ella Powell - 6
Began the game on the right and was another who found the task of marking Hemp difficult. Managed to find the faintest of touches to stop Hayley Raso having the easiest of tap-ins at the far post. Started the second half well on the left of defence and stopped Australian winger from getting much space in the second 45.
Shania Hayles (off 63, Woolley) – 6
Moved to a more central role early in the first half, struggled to get too involved but held the ball up well when she was able to. Always carries a threat with pace in behind and harried the Man City backline.
Abi Harrison – 6
Excellent skill inside the opening exchanges to beat her marker, worked typically hard while carrying her usual threat despite limited opportunities to get into the game. Dropped deeper to try and aid the midfield as the game progressed and didn’t look out of place in a different position.
Mari Ward (off 63, Teisar) – 6
Like many of City’s attacking options wasn’t afforded much time on the ball but was a constant nuisance to the backline. Defended from the front and did all she could with little service.
Substitutes
Maddi Wilde (on 51, Cataldo) – 6
Fell victim to another impressive burst of pace from Hemp early in the second half for Man City’s sixth. Marshalled Julie Blakstad well after Hemp was substituted and saw the rest of the second half out well with a good few touches going forward.
Jodie Hutton (on 63, Bull) – 6
Got immediately stuck in with a big sliding challenge and worked hard off the ball. Couldn’t quite find her touch. Set piece delivery was good and always looks a threat with the dead ball.
Jess Woolley (on 63, Hayles) – 6
Held the ball up well and used her body as we all know she can. Couldn’t quite sort her feet out in injury time as she was slipped behind the visitor’s defence.
Tianna Teisar (on 63, Ward) – 6
Offered plenty of movement up front and occupied the backline well. Won a couple of free-kicks and got the crowd cheering. One to keep an eye on.
Fearne Slocombe (on 68, Syme) – 6
A real livewire off the bench, the young midfielder showed a couple of really special touches and was always looking for the forward pass. One to defiantly watch in the future, looks a player.
Subs not used: Fran Bentley, Lily Greenslade
