17 November 2019

Round-Up: Man City shine as Reading and Bristol City share thriller on record-breaking Women's Football Weekend

The historic Women's Football Weekend saw record attendances and plenty of goals in what was an overwhelming success for the women's game.

The biggest result of the day was Manchester City's 5-0 thrashing of West Ham which included a scintillating first half display.

West Ham's captain Gilly Flaherty told NewsChain before their match against Manchester City that she could see her side causing an upset against last season's WSL runners-up.

But instead the Hammers were given a hiding as they were 4-0 down at the break.

City's Georgia Stanway stole the headlines after the forward scored twice and was then sent off meaning she will miss her side's trip to Everton.

Stanway walks off after being given a red card (PA Images)

Reading played host to Bristol City at the Madejski Stadium where the crowd were treated to an absolutely epic six goal thriller.

Reading led 3-2 at half-time, but City levelled late on as Ebony Salmon scored to salvage a point for her side.

Spurs also played at their new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against North London rivals Arsenal, setting a new attendance record in the WSL of 38,262.

Vivianne Miedema and captain Kim Little struck for The Gunners as they dispatched the hosts 2-0.

League leaders Chelsea took on Manchester United in another mouthwatering clash, with both teams heading into the game in good form.

In the first-half the two sides were cancelling each other out as the game remained goalless.

But the deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Maren Mjelde slotted home the only goal of the game to ensure The Blues remain top of the table.

Women's Football Weekend attracted large crowds to many of the games (PA Images)

Brighton secured their first WSL victory of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Birmingham.

Kayleigh Green scored twice either side of Lea La Garrec's strike to lift the Seagulls into ninth, while Birmingham slip to tenth.

Finally, the first Merseyside derby of the season took place at Anfield and ended 1-0 to Everton, who inflict even more woes on their winless rivals Liverpool.

The Toffees scored the only goal of the game immediately after half time through Lucy Graham.

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