As the Continental Cup action returned on Thursday, Manchester City welcomed Durham for their second group stage match of the competition.
With the Sky Blues sitting top of Group B, Gareth Taylor’s side were in need of a response following their disappointing exit from the FA cup at the hands of a dominating Chelsea side.
In contrast, Durham had enjoyed a flying start to their league campaign. Topping the championship with 18 points from their opening seven games, Lee Sanders’ side had only suffered one league defeat at the hands of Sheffield United.
Staring XIs
Manchester City
Taieb; Stokes, Coombs, Beckie, Anegldahl, Raso, Park, Losada, White (c), Mace, Kennedy
Durham
Borthwick; Wilson (c), Greenwood, Crosthwaite, Bradley, Christon, Roberts, Brown, Johnson, Ayre, Holmes
Embed from Getty ImagesHow it went
Despite an initially scrappy start, Man City pulled ahead of their visitors just 16 minutes into the game as Filippa Angeldahl managed to neatly pass the ball into the bottom corner just inside the box.
The half continued with some chances for both sides, however neither team could add to the scoreline before half time. Despite having a squad littered with Olympic gold medallists and decorated internationals, City at times seemed unable to break down a brave young Durham side.
The second half brought about more chances for both sides. However, once again the Sky Blues were unable to take their chances — as has been the case so many times this season. Two individual moments of brilliance however salvaged the evening.
A stunning strike from Caroline Weir from just outside the area ricocheted off the crossbar and in, leaving Borthwick unable to react. Three minutes later, Janine Beckie capped off City’s evening as she followed in a Ruby Mace cross.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the defeat, Durham will no doubt take away the positives from their performance. The Wildcats held a strong Manchester City side at 1-0 until the dying minutes of the game.
Stand out player
With a stunning goal in her 100th City appearance, Caroline Weir once again proved her importance to Manchester City. The Scottish international’s goal granted her side some much needed distance from a determined Durham.
