Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor has hailed the efforts of his depleted side as they defeated West Ham United 4-0 at The Academy Stadium this afternoon.
City were missing several players for the match, as they have done for a number of weeks, however, they still put in a professional display against The Hammers and were never in any danger of not claiming a maximum points return.
Caroline Weir opened the scoring for City after just nine minutes before Georgia Stanway fired home a second goal just before the break. City’s four-goal triumph was crowned in the second half by further goals from Ellen White and Rose Lavelle.
Speaking in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Taylor hailed the efforts of his patched up side.
“We played some good stuff today, there were a few bits of our play which we could improve slightly” said Taylor.
“I think I have to give credit to the girls. We have had a lack of personnel, we have been on the edge a little bit in terms of availability.
“Great credit to the girls. We have had to move a couple of them around a bit today but they have coped with things really well.”
Taylor told the media on Friday that Gemma Bonner, Demi Stokes and Sam Mewis would miss this afternoon’s match, however, the list of absentees was swelled further with Esme Morgan, Jess Park and Janine Beckie not making the matchday squad. Taylor went on to discuss those players’ absences and their potential returns.
He said “Esme could be out for a few weeks with a thigh strain, Janine will be back in a couple of days, as will Jess Park.
“Two or the three will be back with us then we will have a look at Demi and Sam as the week progresses.
“Gemma is going to be a little bit longer but hopefully we will get a couple back for next weekend.”
Manchester City face an important fixture in their quest for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title next weekend when they travel to Meadow Park to face Arsenal.