da betsul： Bunny Shaw brought the WSL storm for Manchester City, hitting another hat-trick, as they made light work of inclement weather to beat Liverpool 5-1.
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Jamaican superstar claims another match ballTaylor’s side responded well to falling behindBreathing down the neck of champions ChelseaGettyTELL ME MORE
Gareth Taylor’s side started brightly, as they got to grips with wet and windy conditions, and Chloe Kelly would have given them an early lead were it not for some smart saves. It was the visitors, though, who broke the deadlock when Reds captain Taylor Hinds brilliantly lobbed the ball over Khiara Keating in the 16th minute.
City were level less than three minutes later, with a low cross from substitute Esme Morgan turned into her own net by Gemma Bonner. Shaw then got in on the act in the 32nd minute, as she proved too strong for the Liverpool defence – who tried to play out from the back – and rolled through the legs of Teagan Micah.
The Jamaican superstar grabbed her second of the game in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage-time, with her towering header tipped onto the inside of the post before hitting the back of the net. Her third hat-trick in her last four WSL appearances was completed in the 56th minute. Shaw’s initial effort was saved, but she showed remarkable composure and ingenuity to calmly backheel over the line when left facing the wrong way.
City were given a scare 15 minutes from time when Lionesses star Lauren Hemp suffered a nasty fall following a hefty challenge from Micah right on the edge of the box, but she got back to her feet and Kelly made no mistake with the resulting penalty as she rolled into the bottom corner.
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There is no stopping Bunny Shaw right now. She has her sights set on the WSL Golden Boot, and could leave domestic goal rivals trailing in her wake. The Jamaica international is making a habit of picking up match balls, with another collected against Liverpool. She was just too strong and clever for the Reds’ backline to contain. Her hat-trick included a bit of everything – with a composed finish for her first of the afternoon followed by a soaring header and clever flick with the back of her boot. Shaw was replaced in the 60th minute, as she is wrapped in cotton wool for another day.
THE BIG LOSER
There was not much that went wrong for City, but they did see Kerstin Casparij limp out of proceedings inside the opening 10 minutes. The versatile Netherlands international, who has been operating at right-back, was involved in a challenge with Missy Bo Kearns. She came off second best and was left in no position to continue. She then had to watch on as replacement, England star Morgan, provided the cross which led to Bonner scoring an own goal as City responded positively to falling behind.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
City, who are just three points behind table-topping Chelsea, will be back in action on Wednesday when taking in a derby date with Manchester United in the FA WSL Cup. They will be away at Tottenham in league action next weekend. Liverpool, who had been in fine form prior to the winter break, are set to play host to Arsenal on January 28.