Wonderkid Lily Murphy inspired Manchester City to derby revenge as they downed Manchester United to claim a Women's League Cup semi-final spot.
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Man City won 2-1 to grab derby bragging rightsMurphy stole the show with goal and assistUnited looked lacklustre and devoid of motivationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
After Sunday's damaging defeat to United in the Women's Super League (WSL), City set out on a mission to avenge the loss against their bitter rivals. They started strongly, maintained control, and dictated tempo to heap pressure on United's backline. And in the 12th minute, Murphy gave the Cityzens the breakkthrough. Murphy darted past the full-back and delivered a precise low cross into the box. Laura Coombs was perfectly positioned to meet the ball and clinically finish at the near post, giving goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce no chance.
After City drew first blood, the game slipped to a lower gear as both teams took up a safety-first approach. While City were happy to knock it around, United patiently kept looking to break on the counter. In the 35th minute, their perseverance bore fruit. Melvine Malard floated a cross towards the back post, which found Millie Turner in an advanced position. The centre-back controlled the ball with composure before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner past Khiara Keating to equalise for the Red Devils.
However, United's joy was short-lived as City restored their lead through an electric Murphy, right on the stroke of half-time. The 18-year-old continued to torment Aoife Mannion on the left wing, cutting inside with precision before unleashing a curling effort that struck the far post and nestled into the net.
The second period saw City manage the game effectively, maintaining their lead despite United’s attempts to rally. While the visitors pushed for an equaliser, City’s defensive organisation and midfield control ensured they stayed in command. It was not a classic Manchester derby by any stretch of imagination, thanks to a snooze-fest in the second-half, but Gareth Taylor will not care less as City grabbed the derby bragging rights.
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It was one peach of a finish from Murphy! The left-winger brushed Mannion aside with little effort and kept her composure before firing a shot past a hapless Tullis-Joyce to score a sensational solo goal for the winner. Not to forget, she was also the provider for City's first goal!
THE BIG LOSER
Mannion has to shoulder the blame for both the goals. For the first, she allowed Murphy to fire in the cross inside the box, and for the second, she put up little resistance to prevent the forward from taking aim at goal. She was simply second best to Murphy and United paid the price.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
After ensuring their progress in the Women's Leagues Cup, City will now shift their focus back to the Women's Super League, where they are set to face Aston Villa next on Saturday. Meanwhile, United will host Brighton a day later at Leigh Sports Village.
