WELCOME
Welcome to the latest edition of our digital Women's matchday programme, as we return to FA Women's Super League action with the visit of Bristol City.
It's a 15:00 (UK) kick-off on Saturday 7 November and the game will be available to watch live on CITY+ - so sign up and don't miss out!
We head into the clash on the back of a truly unforgettable week - and not just for our women's team: our men's side have hit fine form, while our Under-18s also lifted the FA Youth Cup for the third time!
For Gareth Taylor's side, we've had two wins from two, including of course, Sunday's historic Women's FA Cup Final extra-time triumph over Everton at Wembley.
The victory marked our third success in the competition - and second consecutively - and we celebrate that fantastic achievement in this programme.
We hear from Gareth Taylor and Steph Houghton, and take a look back at the best snaps and highlights of a wonderful day - another one to add to the collection!
Meanwhile, our latest City Centurion Karen Bardsley selects her all-time favourite game in sky blue, and we catch up with teenage sensation Jess Park!
Plus, Alex Greenwood tells us what it's like to play (and lift a trophy) alongside best friend Ellie Roebuck, and we take a look at Saturday's opposition...
We go again!
A WORD FROM THE BOSS...
Hello, City fans.
It's great to be back in action with Saturday's FA Women's Super League game against Bristol City. Welcome to their manager Tanya Oxtoby, their players and staff.
It's been a fantastic week for the Club with success across all of our teams and I'd like to congratulate all involved. Of course, we were delighted to retain the Women's FA Cup and our Under-18s also won the FA Youth Cup - a top achievement for the Academy.
I am so very pleased for the players and all of the staff, especially Carlos Vicens, who really deserved that moment. It was great for Cole Palmer to score the winning goal too, after suffering the penalty miss in the previous Final. What a story.
Needless to say, for us to have won the FA Cup feels amazing. It took a while to sink in and I think we went through every emotion at Wembley... this Club always seems to do things the hard way!
With the suckerpunch of Everton's goal from a set-piece and with extra-time, you're looking at your players to see their character - the people who are going to stand up and be counted. I thought the substitutes made a real impact and I'm proud of the way the players handled the emotion of the game. We'd spoken beforehand about that: playing the game; not the occasion, and I thought we did that well.
We were so pleased and hopefully, that will give us a real platform to build upon. Hopefully, it's just the start of what we want to achieve: sustained success.
I was really proud of everyone involved and on that note, I'd like to give a special mention to our supporters. It feels strange - you not being with us - but when we arrived at Wembley and saw you all on screen in the tunnel, and your messages of support in the dressing room, it was incredible. Everyone was roaring us on and it gave us that extra boost. Hopefully, we made you happy.
We didn't have much time to enjoy the celebrations with another game on Wednesday. At the moment, it's like feast or famine in the women's game - you don't have a game for ages and then it's four in 12 days! - but I prefer it that way.
We were really pleased with the Continental Cup win at Liverpool, although I still think there are areas we can improve on. There were good elements to our play overall but I still expect more in the final third, particularly in the second half when things slightly opened up.
At 2-0, the opposition are slightly hanging on – there is still hope – and that’s the difference at the minute: if we can get that third goal with 20 minutes to go, there’s a fair chance you can probably open up and score a few more. We're constantly improving though and we were happy to get the win.
It was a special day for to Karen Bardsley, who made her 100th appearance for the Club at Prenton Park. Everyone respects what KB has done in the game. It’s a nice milestone for her and one I’m sure she will have enjoyed. Congratulations to her.
Well done also to Janine Beckie on her 50th appearance. Janine is a great person and player and a real asset to us. She deserved her goal on Sunday.
We have more big games coming up now so we have to make sure we’re back at it, fresh for a big push.
Enjoy the game.
Gareth Taylor
CAPTAIN'S NOTES
Hey everyone!
What a week it’s been for this Football Club!
For us personally, it couldn’t have gone better: winning the Women’s FA Cup and then making it two wins from two in the Continental Cup, while our Under-18s also won the FA Youth Cup and the men’s team have done well too.
Well done to the everyone involved – the future looks Blue!
That’s what this Club is about: winning trophies, and that’s the reason we’re all here at City – to win silverware and be the best we can be.
As a team, we set out at the start of the week aiming for three wins and with two (and a trophy!) already in the bag, we hope to accomplish that on Saturday.
There is a certain level of expectation on us to do well but we also expect that of ourselves. We were expected to win on Sunday, although we knew it would be a tough game.
It’s hard enough to play in a Final and we made it hard for ourselves. We were always in control so to have conceded a goal early into the second half was disappointing – but we kept on going.
We always believed we had the quality and fitness levels to come back. I felt it was just a matter of time until we scored and then to lift the trophy for the third time for this Club was an unbelievable feeling.
I’d said before the game: it never gets old! It’s such a special competition and it doesn’t come around very often. Winning is an addictive feeling: you want it again and again – and the girls deserved to enjoy it.
We were so proud to keep our name on the trophy and bring it back to Manchester and hopefully, now we can push on and achieve more.
The season hasn’t necessarily started the way we’d have liked but we’ve won back-to-back FA Cups! We’re really happy with that – and there’s a long way to go in the season yet.
Of course, we didn’t have loads of time to celebrate with another game on Wednesday but again, I was so proud of the squad for another win. (Also, can we talk about that touch and finish from Laura Coombs?!)
Congratulations also to Karen Bardsley and Janine Beckie on their milestones too! A great day all round.
It’s been a brilliant week but we can’t take our foot off the gas. We face Bristol City next – a team who have proven hard for us to beat in recent years – and we know we cannot afford to be dropping any more points in the league.
We’re feeling good though and we’re ready to go.
Come on, City!
Steph Houghton
KAREN BARDSLEY:
MY FAVOURITE GAME
Congratulations to Karen Bardsley, who became our latest City Centurion, making her long-awaited 100th appearance for the Club in Wednesday's Continental Cup clash against Liverpool.
One of the Club's first signings when we turned professional, Bardsley is one of the longest-serving members of the squad and one of the most important contributors to our success.
So, which of her 100 appearances is her all-time favourite?
In the latest edition of My Favourite Game, presented by Marathonbet, the shot-stopper chooses her most memorable match...
The pick
It's so hard to choose - there have been so many...
There's the 2014 Continental Cup Final (which we had no right to win!), winning the league in 2016, the Champions League draw at home to Lyon (my favourite personal performance), victories over Chelsea and Arsenal, the penalty shoot-out win in the 2019 Conti Cup Final...
But I'm going to go with the FA Women's Cup Final at Wembley in 2017 when we beat Birmingham. I think that's the most vivid and fond memory and it ticks all the boxes: a Cup Final, playing at Wembley, winning the trophy for the first time...
Playing at Wembley is always amazing and playing there for the first time in an FA Cup Final is an incredible experience I'll never forget.
*
Pre-match
I still get nervous for every single game! But it's an excited kind of nervous - butterflies!
For all of the Cup Finals, I would say I look forward to the game more than the occasion.
You do get a feeling sometimes whether it's going to be a good day but sometimes, you aren't quite feeling it and you still have a good performance which goes to show: it's not so much how you feel - it's how you prepare.
If you prepare properly and in the same way for every game, it gives you the best opportunity to perform.
I always feel I'm quite upbeat and bubbly. If I'm quiet, I'm too focused! It's about managing your energy, allowing yourself time to switch off and not think about football until you have to.
When you overthink it, it can get too much. If you spend too long in that excited state, it can be exhausting so I like to put music on, talk to my friends, FaceTime home... anything that puts me in a good mood before a warm-up.
Just try to stay positive and excited and look forward to what you're about to do.
*
The game
Well, we were 3-0 up before the end of the first half! It couldn't have gone better.
I didn't have too much to do in the first half. The girls were on it that day and I was just thinking: 'This is so great!'
It's strange as a 'keeper... As an outfield player, you always have the opportunity to be involved in any sort of play, whether that's defence or attack.
As a goalkeeper, you can't go wandering, looking for things to do! You have to wait until things come to you!
Making a save is probably as close as you can get to scoring a goal.
I guess a good day for a 'keeper is when the opposition is doing everything they can, giving everything they've got - but they can't get past you.
You build in confidence and you're like: 'Yeah, I got this!' but at the same time, you have to make sure you don't get ahead of yourself.
That's happened to me in the past. You can get carried away. You have to make sure you stay in the moment and stay focused.
It's something you have to practice. It's so easy for people to think you'll have a quiet game but you have to take one thing at a time.
Birmingham pulled a goal back in the second half but Jill Scott made it 4-1 to end the game on a high - and we deserved that.
It was such an amazing feeling at the full-time whistle and you could see in the celebrations how much it meant to us all.
I remember how I felt after the 2014 Conti Cup Final, after that Lyon game and after saving the penalties in the 2019 Final... but winning the FA Cup at Wembley for the first time can't be topped.
KB QUIZ
TEAMMATES:
ALEX GREENWOOD
& ELLIE ROEBUCK
It’s the dream of every footballer: to lift the FA Cup.
Following in the footsteps of their childhood heroes, walking the iconic Wembley steps and lifting the prestigious trophy aloft – it’s what dreams are made of.
What could possibly enhance that incredible experience? Winning the trophy alongside your best friend.
City stars and close pals Alex Greenwood and Ellie Roebuck lived that very dream on Sunday, clinching the coveted silverware, sporting the same badge on their chest.
The pair both played the full 120 minutes of the enthralling action, with Greenwood claiming an assist for Sam Mewis’ thumping opener and Roebuck producing an excellent display to thwart the Toffees’ attack.
Compatriots and teammates with England’s Lionesses, the duo have played together for their country and now find themselves playing alongside each other at Club level – and they’re loving every minute.
In fact, in the latest edition of Teammates, presented by QNET, Greenwood revealed the defensive double act always knew they would win a trophy together someday!
“Ellie is my best mate,” the left-back smiled. “She’s a great girl and she’s someone I go to when I need advice.
“She’s a top girl and to be honest, I don’t think she gives away what she’s really like when she’s on camera!
“I’d missed having her glued to my hip for the 12 months I was at Lyon!
“We spoke in France last year at the World Cup and we used to mess about, saying I should come to City and win trophies there.
“We used to joke about it but we said: ‘You know, one day, we’ll play together. We’ll lift trophies together.’ Not more than 12 months later, we’re doing it!"
Expressing sincere pride at her pal’s rapid rise to senior stardom, Greenwood says she is equally admiring of Roebuck’s ability as a player, predicting great things for the Sheffield-born shot-stopper.
The 27-year-old also believes their tight-knit relationship aids their on-pitch understanding.
“I’m very proud of her,” she continued.
“She’s a fantastic ‘keeper and one for the future.
“The FA Cup Final was probably the biggest game of her life and she just took it on, like it was nothing.
“She’s an unbelievable talent and it’s so exciting for the future.”
OPPOSITION:
Bristol City
Founded: 1998 (Bristol Rovers. Formerly Bristol Academy: 2005-2016).
Nickname: The Robins
Stadium: Twerton Park
Manager: Tanya Oxtoby
Division: FA Women’s Super League (2017-present)
Honours:
FA Women’s Super League runners-up (2013)
Women’s FA Cup runners-up (2011, 2013)
FA Women’s Super League 2 runners-up (2016)
Previous meetings:
20 April 2014, FA WSL: City 0-2 Bristol Academy
28 September 2014, FA WSL: Bristol Academy 1-0 City
18 July 2015, FA WSL: Bristol Academy 0-3 City
(Duggan x2, Corboz)
27 September 2015, FA WSL: City 6-1 Bristol Academy
(Scott, Christiansen x2, Bronze, Parris, Stanway)
26 March 2017, FA Cup: Bristol City 1-2 City (Ladd OG, Parris)
9 May 2017, FA WSL Spring Series: Bristol City 0-3 City (Duggan x3)
12 November 2017, FA WSL: City 4-0 Bristol City
(Christiansen, Emslie, McManus, Beattie)
17 December 2017, Conti Cup: Bristol City 0-2 City (Parris, Beattie)
3 May 2018, FA WSL: City 6-1 Bristol City
(Scott, Emslie, Ross, Parris, Nadim, Lawley)
16 September 2018, Conti Cup: Bristol City 0-3 City
(Emslie, Nadim, Weir)
23 September 2018, FA WSL: City 2-2 Bristol City
(Parris, Houghton)
6 January 2019, FA WSL: Bristol City 1-1 City (Parris)
24 November 2019, FA WSL: Bristol City 0-5 City
(Wullaert, White, Bremer x2, Weir)
12 February 2020, FA WSL: City 1-0 Bristol City (Bonner)
Top scorer:
Nikita Parris is City’s top scorer against the Robins with six goals.
Player links:
City signed two-time PFA Women's Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp from Bristol City in May 2018.
Since making the move to Manchester, the forward has clocked 44 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing a pivotal contribution from the flank with her exceptional pace and trickery.
In recognition of her outstanding 2019/20 campaign, she was named City’s QNET Rising Star in the Club’s End of Season Awards, and earned the MCWFC Official Supporters’ Club’s Player of the Season gong in addition to a nomination for the FA WSL’s own edition.
The 2017 England Young Player of the Year was handed her Lionesses debut in October 2019 and has represented her country on five occasions since.
Scotland international Claire Emslie also joined City from Bristol in July 2017, having played – and scored – against Nick Cushing’s side in the 2017 FA Cup and Spring Series campaigns.
During her time at City, the winger tallied 62 appearances, scoring 16 goals and helping the Club to two FA Cups, a Continental Cup and a Champions League semi-final.
Alongside best friend Caroline Weir (who also had a brief spell at Bristol), she also played a key role for her country, as Scotland qualified for their first World Cup.
Welsh winger Natasha Harding also represented both clubs, making the move north to join City in March 2015, while youngsters Emma Bissell and Poppy Pattinson both spent time in City’s Academy.
SCORE PREDICTOR
HERE'S TO BRIGHT BLUE SKIES...
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FANZONE
Manchester City Women's Official Supporters Club members from around the world again tuned in to a 'watch-along' for last weekend's Women's FA Cup Final.
Tuning in to a Zoom call together, we lived every kick!
With help from the Club, we sent messages of support to be displayed, along with other fans, in the dressing room and the coverage from the media team on the day made having to stay at home a little easier to bear! We thank all involved for that.
Our Committee were in demand to chat about the Final! Secretary Jayne Comer appeared on a number of broadcast channels, including BBC Radio Manchester and the FA Player.
Treasurer Jude Morris King even took part in the iconic Woman's Hour show on BBC Radio Four last week!
Together, with bits and pieces for the Club and a multitude of podcasts, is was certainly a busy time for us all!
Stay safe everybody.
MCWFC Official Supporters Club
Q&A WITH → JESS PARK
An FA Cup Winner at 19, providing the key assist at Wembley,
and having bagged her second goal in two Conti Cup
games, it's been some week for Jess Park...
Jess, what an unforgettable week... Has it sunk in yet?
It's just beginning to sink in! Obviously, I've had a brilliant time: winning the FA Cup was phenomenal and then to get 90 minutes and score against Liverpool in the Conti Cup was great.
I wasn't expecting to be selected to come on at Wembley - but I was hoping for it - and to help the team by getting the assist for the winning goal was really special.
It's been a decent week for my career!
*
It sure has! Can you talk us through that assist?
I always try to help the team as much as I can.
I'm quite good at reading the game and I just saw Georgia's run across the box so I cut inside and played a teasing ball for the 'keeper to come out to.
It was quite a risky pass but it came off! Georgia got on the end of it.
It was a moment I'll never forget. I was absolutely delighted.
*
Two years ago, you scored two in the Final of the Development Squad League Cup win and now you're an FA Cup Winner at 19! How does that feel?
It's a brilliant feeling to have a senior title under my belt so early in my career.
I definitely didn't expect to have achieved that but it's amazing to have taken part and to have helped the team.
Not a lot of people know this but although I'm from York, I've always supported Man City so I really am living the dream!
*
When you signed your professional contract in April, you said you hoped this would be your breakthrough season.
Looking back on 2020, you've scored your first hat-trick, signed your first contract and won an FA Cup! Has that been more than you expected?
I'm on such a high at the moment. I'm working hard everyday, hoping to get more minutes and support the team.
I just want to keep progressing and see where it goes. It's important to stay grounded. If you keep doing the basics day in, day out, you'll get the rewards.
*
Gareth Taylor has spoken very highly of you over recent weeks, saying you're playing at a level beyond your years. How does that make you feel?
That makes my confidence increase and makes me want to do him proud when I come on. I want to work hard for him.
*
How about your teammates - what advice have they given?
Just that if I work hard when I come on, the rest will happen for me.
If I do my bit and play my game, taking on defenders and being confident, good things will happen.
They encourage me when I'm on the ball and that definitely helps and gives me confidence.
*
Have you been learning from anyone in particular to improve your game?
Chloe Kelly. She's helped me massively. She plays in that position and she's been a great help on and off the field.
She's a fantastic player and a brilliant person.
Hopefully, I'll score one of her long-range goals soon!
*
When you're doing well, it can be easy to get complacent. How do you keep motivated?
I'm quite a determined person anyway. I always want to win, whether it's a small game in training or flipping a coin in 'heads or tails!'
That competition keeps me motivated - and that's the environment we have at City - and of course, I just love the game!
At the moment, with grassroots football cancelled, I want to play for all the young girls who can't.
I want to inspire the next generation and hopefully, I'm doing that.
*
With the week we've had, it can be easy to try and ride the momentum but there's still work to do, isn't there - especially against Bristol City...?
Definitely. Whenever we come up against them, it's a difficult game and we've had some tough results against them in the past with some draws.
We have to keep composed and keep our heads. We'll all work hard as a team - no matter what squad is put out - and we'll all play our game and hopefully, come out with a win.
*
Finally, what can we expect from you for the rest of the season?
Hopefully, some more goals and some more medals too!
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