Olivia Garcia scores Albion's first goal from close range. đź“·Craig Galloway.
Olivia Garcia scores Albion's first goal from close range. đź“·Craig Galloway.
Albion showed bravery to score twice after going 3-0 down inside 18 minutes but it wasn’t enough to stop WSL leaders Manchester City from maintaining their 100% record at the Joie Stadium on Sunday.
Kadija Shaw scored her sixth and seventh league goals of the season and Niamh Charles also found the target as the hosts swept into a 3-0 lead.
But Olivia Garcia and Caitlin Hayes reduced the deficit before the end of a frantic first half.
In contrast the second half saw few clearcut opportunities at either end and although they kept pushing Albion couldn’t find an equaliser.
Caitlin Hayes, who scored Albion's second goal, clears under pressure from Kadija Shaw. đź“·Craig Galloway
Caitlin Hayes, who scored Albion's second goal, clears under pressure from Kadija Shaw. đź“·Craig Galloway
City went ahead after six minutes although replays showed Shaw was offside twice, once in the build-up and then when she side-footed past Nnadozie from Lauren Hemp’s left-wing cross.
Chiamaka Nnadozie did superbly to push away Shaw’s fiercely-struck shot from outside the box but the Jamaican wasn’t to be denied on 16 minutes.
There was no pressure on the ball as Hemp measured her cross from the left and Shaw rose between two Albion defenders to power a header past Nnadozie.
It was 3-0 in 18 minutes. Shaw’s backheel found Grace Clinton and although Gabby George blocked her cross it fell to Charles who slotted into the corner.
Kiko Seike was Albion's main threat. đź“·Craig Galloway.
Kiko Seike was Albion's main threat. đź“·Craig Galloway.
Seike, who was a threat throughout down the right, tried to lead a response, driving past Alex Greenwood and into the box before firing the ball beyond keeper Ayaka Yamashita and just past the far post.
Maisie Symonds in the thick of the action against the leaders. đź“·Craig Galloway.
Maisie Symonds in the thick of the action against the leaders. đź“·Craig Galloway.