da marjack bet： Lauren Hemp provided the perfect WSL tonic for Manchester City against Brighton following their double dose of domestic cup heartache.
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England star shines on south coastShaw, Fowler & Coombs also on targetTaylor's side pull level with ChelseaGettyTELL ME MORE
Gareth Taylor’s side were – just like Pep Guardiola’s men’s team – in a treble hunt on March 7. They were, however, to slip out of the Conti Cup at the hands of Chelsea, before then suffering penalty shootout pain in an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Tottenham.
A positive response to those setbacks was demanded against Brighton, and Hemp helped to deliver just that. The England forward was heavily involved in City’s best work, with the deadlock broken when she fired home in the 27th minute.
European Championship winner Hemp then turned provider five minutes before half-time, as she crossed for the unmarked Mary Fowler to bundle in at the far post. She also crashed a spectacular effort off the post early in the second half.
City wrapped up the points when prolific striker Khadija Shaw rose highest inside a crowded penalty area to power in a towering header with 69 minutes on the clock – allowing her to cement a place at the front of the WSL Golden Boot race. Laura Coombs got in on the act 12 minutes from the end after being picked out on the penalty spot, with a low drive drilled into the bottom corner, and City eased over the line despite Chinese star Li Mengwen netting in stoppage-time to make the final outcome 4-1.
AdvertisementTHE MVP
Hemp was the undoubted star of the show for City. The England international is unplayable at her best, and the 23-year-old gave Brighton’s defence nightmares across another action-packed performance. Her clever run behind the Seagulls’ back line allowed City to take the lead, as she stretched to fire a low effort through the arms of Sophie Baggaley. She then teed up Fowler for the Blues’ second, with her perfect cross from the left flank carving Brighton open once more.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
Brighton goalkeeper Baggaley endured a tough afternoon between the sticks. She will feel that she should have done much better when allowing Hemp’s opener to squeeze through her arms. The Seagulls custodian was also unable to get off her line quick enough to close down Fowler for City’s second, while she was left sprawled in her own net after being beaten by an impressive leap from Jamaican superstar Shaw and had no chance of keeping out Coombs’ well-struck fourth for the visitors.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
City have pulled level with leaders Chelsea in the WSL, with only goal difference preventing them from hitting the summit, and they will be back in action next Saturday when taking in a derby date with arch-rivals Manchester United. Brighton are due at Leicester on March 24, the side currently sat directly above them in the table.