MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN 1, SUNDERLAND LADIES 0
Manchester City strengthened their push for the Women’s Super League title with victory over fellow challengers Sunderland at the Football Academy Stadium.
Isobel Christiansen’s first-half goal helped City leapfrog Sunderland into second spot after they recorded a remarkable 10th win from their last 11 league and cup games – the other was drawn against Notts County.
City, without influential striker Toni Duggan who is injured, edged a close and captivating contest involving two of the leading women’s teams.
Sunderland caused City problems in the opening half as Brooke Chaplen twice forced diving saves from Karen Bardsley who also pulled off a super stop to deflect Abbey Joice’s effort into the side netting.
Steph Houghton and Christiansen went close for City who made the breakthrough after 32 minutes with a delightful glancing header from a right-wing cross by Krystle Johnson.
While there were chances in the opening half, the second half was a non event as the two teams cancelled out one another.
That did not unduly worry City as they held the lead and the onus was on Sunderland to get back into the match.