From the Tweets of Daisy Wildsmith. This week, Daisy reviews the Manchester derby clash in the Continental Cup.
The glorious irony of chants at football matches. United fans began chanting how Mary Earps was “England’s Number one” just seconds before an outstanding save from Ellie Roebuck. They also pressed for Katie Zelem to take Demi Stokes’ England place just before she completely fluffed a corner.
For me, City were the stronger team throughout. It appeared that United chased City players around the pitch. Too much power on a couple of crosses and a silly decision from Janine Beckie that scuppered the Sky Blues’ chances.
United’s tactics of playing deep worked in their favour, and City continued to spurn opportunities.
Keira Walsh’s sending off for me was really harsh – not a straight red. United’s opening goal came from another harsh decision from the referee. I didn’t think Keira Walsh committed a foul at all, and as a direct result, Zelem’s free kick flew into the top corner. The second United goal was down to a lack of communication in the City defence which allowed Hanson’s cross to find Sigsworth who couldn’t miss.
Despite Jill Scott and Lauren Hemp giving it everything, City simply could not get back in it. For United, I’ve always had a lot of time for Jane Ross – she has a great professional attitude.
A win for Manchester United is good for women’s football. Having a Manchester United side beat a Manchester City side is always going to draw attention. It makes for a more interesting and competitive league as well. Two more Manchester derbies are on the horizon too. Plenty of fun and games ahead!
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Daisy Wildsmith is a regular contributor to Impetus and is a women’s football supporter from the West Midlands.
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