Shaw smashes another Super League hat-trick

LONDON, England (CMC):

Jamaica international Khadija “Bunny” Shaw struck her third hat-trick in her last four outings as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 5-1 in the Women’s Super League.

The 26-year-old netted in the 32nd, first-half injury time and then in the 56th minute, helping Manchester City come from a goal down to notch their eighth win of the campaign and go second in the table on 25 points, three off leaders Chelsea.

For the Spanish Town-born Shaw, the hat-trick took her tally to the season to 12, two ahead of Chelsea’s Lauren James who, ironically, also scored a treble yesterday in her side’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.

“The most impressive thing for me with Bunny is you accept she’ll score goals, but it’s the other parts of her game,” said Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor.

“Her hold-up play has really improved, and the way she pressed was magnificent.”

Playing at City’s Joie Stadium, the hosts found themselves trailing in the 15th minute after captain Taylor Hinds produced a daring lob from just outside the 18-yard box to beat goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who ventured off her line.

But four minutes later, Gemma Bonner turned a cross into her own net to draw City level, and Shaw grabbed her first to put City ahead when she drove into the box and finished low at the far post.

Shaw added her second deep in injury time to put City 3-1 up at the break, creating room amid a cluster of Liverpool defenders to head past goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

And City’s Player-of-the-Year last season completed her hat-trick with an audacious back heel after being denied the first time in the early stages of the second half.

Chloe Kelly completed the domination for City in the 78th when she converted from the spot.

Shaw scored her first hat-trick in a 7-0 whipping of Tottenham last November before following up with another in a 4-1 win over Everton last month.