Manchester City moved above rivals Chelsea in the FA WSL 1 Spring Series table with a 1-0 win thanks to Toni Duggan’s strike at the Academy Stadium.
The England striker continued her strong form with a neat turn and finish just before the half-hour mark and, despite plenty of pressure from the visitors, that was enough for Nick Cushing’s side.
With an array of attacking talent on show, Chelsea were caught on the defensive for most of the first half as City dictated play and created the better chances, with Nikita Parris particularly impressive up against Beth England.
Duggan’s effort from the edge of the box looked like the spark for City to control the match but Emma Hayes’ side were a different team after the break.
Introducing Fran Kirby, Karen Carney and Gemma Davison, Chelsea were a constant threat as the game wore on, with Drew Spence coming closest when Karen Bardsley tipped her effort around the post.
Chelsea would come even closer soon after, a cross was knocked back into play by the England goalkeeper but England’s effort hit Lucy Bronze on the line and bounced away.
And the hosts who clung on for a vital three points ahead of another home game against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
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Manchester City 1
Duggan 28
Chelsea 0
Manchester City (4-3-3): Karen Bardsley; Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton, Megan Campbell, Demi Stokes; Keira Walsh, Jill Scott, Izzy Christiansen; Nikita Parris, Toni Duggan, Melissa Lawley
Substitutes: Kosovare Asllani for Christiansen 63, Georgia Stanway for Lawley 70
Substitutes not used: Marie Hourihan, Abbie McManus, Jane Ross
Bookings: None
Red Cards: None
Chelsea (3-4-3): Carly Telford; Millie Bright, Deanna Cooper, Gilly Flaherty; Hannah Blundell, Maren Mjelde, Katie Chapman, Beth England; Ramona Bachmann, Drew Spence, Crystal Dunn
Substitutes: Fran Kirby for Bachmann 63, Karen Carney for England 68, Gemma Davison for Blundell 71
Substitutes not used: Fran Kitching, Niamh Fahey, Ji So-Yun, Erin Cuthbert
Bookings: None
Red Cards: None
Referee: Simeon Lucas
Attendance: 1,069
Read more at http://www.fawsl.com/matchesReport/manchester_city_women_v_chelsea_ladies_fc_25_may_2017_report.html#WPt4fTF1cdFTelrT.99
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