Attacking trio impress as Man City Women continue to hunt for domestic success

Three points see Manchester City stay in second place in the Women's Super League for another week following a 4-1 home win against Reading. They now sit just three points behind local rivals Manchester United and four ahead of Chelsea.

An emphatic performance from Gareth Taylor's front three sent the Royals packing. It was Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen who shocked the entire Academy Stadium when she capitalised on the chaos at the edge of City’s area within the first minute of play, but the City we are used to seeing soon turned up.

Chloe Kelly nudged the ball into the back of the net to level the scores, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw put City ahead with a looping header and then Lauren Hemp sealed the win by sliding the ball in at the back post. Steph Houghton then gave the home side a three-goal lead after a perfectly-placed set piece.

The visitors were tough in their desperate attempt to keep the lead which rattled the Sky Blues early on. City's front three have been undeniably dangerous throughout the season and they were deadly against Reading. Hemp volleyed the ball against the upright, Shaw kept breaking the Reading backline and Kelly produced countless crosses.

Player Ratings:

Ellie Roebuck - Nothing she could do about the goal, too many bodies at the edge of the area and couldn’t get her hand to the strike. Unbelievable goalkeeping when one-on-one to deny Reading a second goal. Punched the ball out of the area and went through Houghton, punching her captain in the head - absolutely savage.7

Kerstin Casparij - Quieter first half than usual out on the right, however, she got into the game in the second 45 with strong drives forward getting the better of a number of players and drawing fouls. 7

Alex Greenwood - Great