WINS It FOR CItY

MANCHESTER CITY women clinched a derby win over local rivals United – thanks to a stunning strike from forward Caroline Weir.

Scotland international Weir’s majestic 25-yard goal gave City victory in the first Women’s Super League derby between the two Manchester clubs in front of 31,213 fans at the Etihad Stadium.

City skipper Steph Houghton has vowed to make Manchester blue and Nick Cushing’s side made the perfect start towards achieving that aim with victory over their neighbours.

Among the crowd for the opening game of the new Women’s Super League campaign were United men’s boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and England women’s head coach Phil Neville.

Newly-promoted United dominated the first half against their more established opponents, but were unable to turn that superiority into the hard currency of a goal.

They could – and should – have taken the lead after 22 minutes. Leah Galton crossed for Jane Ross, but her shot was palmed away by Ellie Roebuck, with City strangely subdued.

It took the home side until five minutes before the break to produce their first shot on target, Weir sending a tame effort straight at United keeper Mary Earps.

While the first half belonged to United, City – runners-up to champions Arsenal last season – emerged with greater purpose after the interval, stepping up a level.

And Weir made no mistake three minutes in, taking full advantage of a poor clearance from United captain Katie Zelem.

Weir took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top right corner, leaving Earps with no chance.

United had an opportunity to level just after the hour mark through Galton, but her angled, close-range shot was blocked by Roebuck.

Holland international Jackie Groenen almost bagged an equaliser for the visitors in the 83rd minute when she blocked Aoife Mannion’s clearance, but watched in dismay as it came back off a post.