Manchester City came from behind to snatch a draw against Birmingham City as the Women’s Super League champions ended the league season unbeaten.
City fell behind when Aoife Mannion scored an early penalty for the visitors following a foul from England defender Lucy Bronze on Andrine Hegerberg. That was only the fourth goal Nick Cushing’s side had conceded in 16 league matches this season.
The lead was shortlived, however, as Demi Stokes caught out goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger with her left-wing cross. City, who ensured they won the league title with victory over Chelsea last month, end the season with 42 points from a maximum of 48 available, winning 13 and drawing three of their 16 league fixtures.
“Ever since we won it against Chelsea I think we’ve all been waiting for this moment,” said Steph Houghton. “I couldn’t be happier for all the girls and all the staff because I know how hard they’ve worked over the season. We’ve got unbelievable people and an unbelievable club, so we’ve got to be ambitious and aim to win trophies on a regular occasion.
“To avoid defeat as well is a massive thing for us and I’m just delighted. I knew that coming to City I wanted to win trophies and I knew that’d be a process. To come to the third year and win two is just unbelievable. It’s the biggest moment in my club career to win this trophy for this team. We want to be playing against the best teams in Europe and ultimately our aim over the next few years is not only to be one of the best teams in England, but one of the best in Europe.”
