MANCHESTER CITY avenged their early season loss to Tottenham with a ruthless Conti Cup semis knockout.
A classy Jess Park strike was among the efforts that led to a 3-0 drubbing of Spurs and a fourth league cup final for City.
The result marked an impressive reversal in fortune for Gareth Taylor’s aces – now unbeaten in nine games – after a torrid, injury-ravaged start to their season.
Taylor, whose side will battle Chelsea for the trophy, said: “I thought we set about the game really well.
“We were really aggressive with our pressing. It took probably 10 minutes for us to find our game plan
“We tried to play central when the space was wide, but the (first) goal settled us down and it was brilliant from Jess.
On Park’s performance Taylor added: “She was great considering she got levelled by their full-back in the first challenge.
“Some young players might go under at that moment, but I think she is playing with real confidence and creating a lot of goals for us.
“The challenge with Jess has been trying to get more goals out of her, so it was really pleasing, particularly the way she cut across the defender.
“We know she can really finish well. To score a goal like she did and to create as well was a special performance from her.
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“I’m really delighted with the way we controlled the game.”
City showed their attacking intent early with Lauren Hemp winning a corner in the first minute and Park using her pace to menace Kerys Harrop on the right.
Despite the hosts dominating possession it was Tottenham – playing in their first league cup semi-final – who had a glorious chance to take an early lead via Jessica Naz.
The Spurs starlet was through after beating Keira Walsh with Ellie Roebuck off her line but ended up drilling her shot well off target in the 13th minute.
The hosts looked to reply moments later with Khadija Shaw sendinga an effort wide of the far post after a well-timed through ball from Alex Greenwood.
And they managed to get off the mark with an impressive opener from Jess Park in the 21st minute
The City starlet evaded Harrop, with a drop of her shoulder, before darting into the box and smashing in a bottom corner strike.
Taylor’s side doubled their advantage shortly after with Khadija Shaw’s tap-in following Caroline Weir’s and Park’s attempts on goal.
And some impressive goalkeeping from Becky Spence denied City a third on the stroke of half-time
The Jamaica stopper was forced to push the ball over the bar after a deflection on Hemp’s cross.
The second half saw the Citizens maintain their pressure with Lucy Bronze’s thumping low strike forcing a decent save from Spence in the 48th minute.
Moments later Georgia Stanway saw her shot near of the edge of the penalty area blocked after being teed up by Hemp.
And it was Hemp who rounded off a solid City performance at the Academy Stadium.
The winger headed the ball home after a curled cross from Park in the 70th minute.
The result saw Spurs, who face Brighton next in the league, out of two major trophy contests this term.
And Rehanne Skinner wants her team, who are fourth in the WSL, to focus on their top three chase and bid to play in Europe next season.
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The Tottenham boss said: “Our biggest focus is the league and having a great cup run like this is a massive boost to the players.
“But I think this month has been a little bit challenging with low numbers in the squad.
“By the time we come back after the international window, I think we’ll be in a much different place with our side.”
