CITY SEEKING ANOTHER SHUT-OUT IN DENMARK...
JENNIFER Beattie helped Manchester City keep up their proud defensive record as they flew the flag for Great Britain in Europe, but the defender insists it is down to much more than just the club’s solid back five.
City hosted Brondby in the first leg of their last-16 Women’s Champions League tie on Wednesday, the Danish side having reached the semi-finals three times previously.
But City are no pushovers themselves as they eye an historic treble, having already clinched WSL 1 and the Continental Cup. They didn’t let the pressure of being the last British team in the competition get to them, as they will take a 1-0 lead into Wednesday’s return leg.
That was down to teenage midfielder Keira Walsh, who fired home from distance with 15 minutes left, but it was another clean sheet that caught the eye.
England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley had to produce a low, onehanded save to deny Nanna Christiansen in the first half.
And she was alert again at the death to tip away a curling effort from Veje Katrine.
The back four in front of her kept Brondby chances to a minimum.
The shut-out was City’s 20th in 26 matches this season, and Scottish international defender Beattie says the clean sheets give the whole team confidence they can go all the way in Europe.
“We’ve been very proud of that defensive record throughout the season, and to finish the last home game of the season with a clean sheet, we’re all very happy with that,” said the 25-year-old. “As a back five, we pride ourselves on not conceding goals and it’s a good position to be in going into the next leg.
“It’s an easy answer to give, but some of it is also down to the fact we have the best stadium in the league and we thoroughly look forward to playing at home.
“We love playing on the pitch. We love the stadium, the atmosphere. It’s easy when we have 4,500 as our capacity, and the atmosphere against Brondby was incredible.
“Coming into this competition, we took it game by game and 1-0 is a good position to be in.
“I don’t think we’ve thought about being the last British team left in the competition. We’re happy to go as far as we can and, hopefully, we’ll be in the next round.”
Jane Ross could have made life easier for City , but, after going round Brondby goalkeeper Katrine Abel after halftime, she hesitated with the goal gaping and visiting defender Simone Sorensen cleared.
But should that come back to haunt City, manager Nick Cushing insists he won’t be pointing the finger at his striker.
“I’ve seen it happen many times in football and the fact that we were 0-0 or we won 1-0 isn’t down to the fact that Jane Ross missed that chance,” said Cushing.
“And, if we go out because we don’t perform at Brondby it’s not down to the fact she didn’t score.
“She’s been exceptional for us this year and scored key goals.
“It happens in football. She’s going to miss chances and she’s going to score goals.”