Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor believes Georgia Stanway’s red card will be a ‘huge learning curve’ for the young forward.
Stanway was sent off in the 35th minute of Manchester City’s derby match against Manchester United, with City only able to rescue a 2-2 draw late on.
Khadija Shaw had put Taylor’s side in front three minutes after Stanway’s dismissal before Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo turned things United’s way.
Ellen White scored a poacher’s goal to rescue a point as the thrilling derby ended in a draw.
“Looking back it’s a red card. I heard the fourth official say that it looked reckless, and on reflection, I was disappointed because Georgia has given the referee an easy decision to make,” Taylor said.
“I know she can be a fiery player, but she’s also got to be sensible.
“It’s another huge learning curve for Georgia, but she’s young and she’ll take the lessons on board.”
The 22-year-old was sent off for a thigh-high lunge on Leah Galton but City did not look rattled as Shaw sent a header past Mary Earps to give the away side the lead.
It took until the 72nd minute for United to find an equaliser, coming when Staniforth directed a corner in at the near post, with Russo moving Manchester United into the lead three minutes later.
White would have the final say, scoring from close range after Mary Earps had expertly saved Jess Park’s long-range drive.
The draw sees City stay in ninth as their difficult start to the Barclays FA WSL continued, meanwhile United moved into third with Super Sunday still to come tomorrow.
“I’m slightly disappointed we haven’t gone on to win the game,” Taylor added.
“I wasn’t totally sure it was a red card for Georgia at first but having seen it back I can see why the referee gave it.
“All the girls showed a great spirit and character, and I take my hat off to every single one of them because we were in a tough situation.
“To come back in the manner we did after going 2-1 down shows you everything we have in terms of togetherness in the squad.
“We were looking fairly comfortable up to the point United equalised, but the way we fought back was fantastic.”
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