Manchester City Women have finished their first season in the FA WSL on a high by clinching their first ever piece of silverwear. A 73rd minute header from Isobel Christiansen helped City overcome Arsenal Ladies in front of 3,697 fans at at Wycome Wanderers Adam's Park on Thursday night. City captain Steph Houghton, who 12 months ago lifted the trophy as captain of Arsenal, told the BBC after the match that her team "wanted to mirror what the men did when they won their first trophy and then went on to win the league". The slim 1-0 victory meant City dethroned Arsenal who had won the Continental Cup each year since its debut in 2011.
However City didn't have it all their own way. Arsenal began more dominant, as they enjoyed the majority of possession and the best of the chances in the first half. Jordan Nobbs and Danielle Carter snatched at good opportunities to open the scoring as Arsenal failed to make the most of a number of mistakes from a exposed City back line. Their nervous defending was under fire once more in the 35th minute when a throw-in bounced through to Carter, but her close-range shot was matched by Karen Bardsley with a great reaction save in the City goal.
After the break City grew into the game, taking more possession and creating more clear cut chances. Arsenal tried to push back by bringing on Assistant coach and England legend, Kelly Smith, but City almost took the lead after 66 minutes when well struck Houghton free-kick was saved by Emma Byrne. However, not long after City deservedly took the lead. The move started with Jill Scott in midfield, driving at the now increasingly under threat Arsenal defence. Good build-up play brought the ball out to the right wing where Krystle Johnston put in an inch perfect cross. Toni Duggan was waiting a few feet behind, but Christiansen timed her run excellently and headed the ball home for only her second goal for the club since joining from Birmingham last year. The England U-23 international, who started her career in Manchester United's youth set-up, was bundled by her teammates in celebration.
As Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, Houghton almost doubled the debutants tally. Another wonderful free-kick was this time tipped onto the crossbar by Byrne. City resolutely held on for the win to mark a momentous day in Manchester City Women's short history.
Teams
Arsenal Ladies: Byrne, Mitchell, Fahey, Stoney, Scott (C), Williamson, Kinga (Smith 62), Yankey, Ohno (Ayisi 79), Nobbs, Carter
Manchester City Women: Bardsley, Harding, Houghton (C), Lipman (Radtke 62), Brougham, Walsh, Scott, Christianson, Johnston, Flint, Duggan
Arsenal Ladies: Byrne, Mitchell, Fahey, Stoney, Scott (C), Williamson, Kinga (Smith 62), Yankey, Ohno (Ayisi 79), Nobbs, Carter
Manchester City Women: Bardsley, Harding, Houghton (C), Lipman (Radtke 62), Brougham, Walsh, Scott, Christianson, Johnston, Flint, Duggan
Highlights from the Official Manchester City YouTube account.