Manchester City beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 on the opening day of the Women’s Super League season in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 30,000 at the Etihad on Saturday.

A Caroline Weir screamer from just outside the box was enough to edge Manchester City past rivals United in the first women’s Manchester derby. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Manchester City beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 on the opening day of the Women’s Super League season in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 30,000 at the Etihad on Saturday.

The match marked the first women’s Manchester derby, with newly-promoted United dominating City in the first half.

United striker Jane Ross went close on 24 minutes with a half volley heading for the roof of the net before City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck pulled off a great save with an outstretched arm while travelling the other way.

City took the lead shortly after the break after midfielder Caroline Weir found the back of the net from just outside the box on 48 minutes with a laser shot into the top right-hand corner.

“I just remember getting the ball on the edge of the box and having a shot, luckily enough it went in,” Weir told BT Sport.

United’s Jackie Groenen almost scored a late equaliser, losing her footing in the box as she bundled a shot on goal, only for it to bounce back off the post before Roebuck got her hands on it.

The 31,213-strong record crowd dwarfed the previous record of 5,265, which had watched Arsenal clinch last season’s title at the Amex Stadium in April.

“I think the passion from the supporters reflected onto the pitch,” Roebuck said. “It was unbelievable.

“That win was for the fans. Everybody wants to win a derby match. United gave us a great game in the first half and really tested us, that showed our resilience to come out and in the second half.

“Credit to the girls for digging deep for coming out with a win.”

City will look to build on the derby victory as they bid to contend for the WSL title having won two domestic cups last season, while United showed they are ready to compete with the division’s best.

Information from Reuters was used in this report

Source – ESPN