Georgia Stanway came on as a second-half substitute as Manchester City recorded their ninth WSL win in a row over Everton.

Gareth Taylor’s side were frustrated by a resolute Toffees, but managed to break through the Everton side in the final ten minutes. Keira Walsh’s 81st minute goal was enough to ensure a 1-0 win at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

Captain Steph Houghton started the City attack with a searching ball to Lauren Hemp on the right wing. After cutting inside into Everton’s penalty area, Hemp laid off an inviting ball on the edge of the area for Walsh, who left Sandy MacIver with no chance of saving her measured finish into the bottom left corner of the goal.

It was an occasion to remember for Houghton, as she capped off 200 City appearances with a vital win in their title charge.

Head coach Taylor has paid tribute to the 32-year-old and said: “She’s one of these players who would sacrifice her own personal gain to help others. She’s that kind of personality, she’s helped me and the staff [and is] a real shining light for us as a leader at the club. It’s a great achievement for Steph and one she fully deserves.”

City are still second in the WSL, two points behind leaders Chelsea, with six games to go.

Emma Hayes’ champions visit City on 25 April, with two games remaining, and could prove to be the title decider.