Reggae Girl Shaw’s third sees City to derby win

LONDON, England (CMC):

Reggae Girl Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw netted her third goal of the Women’s Super League and added an assist as Manchester City bounced back from successive defeats to beat Manchester United 3-1 here Sunday.

The 26-year-old was on target in the 55th minute to add the crucial third goal at Old Trafford, helping the visitors rally from a goal down after United captain Katie Zelem had struck early with a 21st-minute penalty in the derby.

Jill Roord led the City comeback with a 34th-minute equaliser while Lauren Hemp put them in front two minutes later thanks to Shaw’s assist.

City were reduced to 10 players in the 72nd minute after Laia Aleixandri was sent off for a second yellow, but they managed to see off late United pressure with steely defending.

Manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw for her outstanding all-round display.

“All strikers want to score, and the longer the game went on last night, she contributed in being a real strong presence,” Taylor said.

“Her hold-up play was good. She created some good chances and had a couple herself, which she probably felt she could do better with.

“But the type of goal she scored … was really impressive. It was a different type of goal but one that really cemented why we need her to push and give energy at the top of the team, particularly when the opposition have the ball.

“I thought our front three did that and Bunny was rewarded with the goal. It brings confidence for her because she knows she’ll get chances in this team.”

Entering the contest following defeats to Arsenal and Brighton, City found themselves potentially staring at another when Alex Greenwood blocked Melvine Malard’s shot with her arm and Zelem stepped up to score from the spot.

Roord levelled after being set up by Chloe Kelly, however, and United had barely recovered before Hemp struck again moments later, curling in a left-footed volley after being teed up by Shaw.

The enterprising Jamaican then put the exclamation mark on the City performance, charging down an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Mary Earps and stabbing the ball into the back of the net.