FOOTBALL-Reggae Girl Shaw’s third sees City to derby win.

LONDON, CMC – Reggae Girl Khadija “Bunny” Shaw netted her third Women’s Super League goal and added an assist as Manchester City bounced back from successive defeats to beat Manchester United 3-1 here Sunday.

The 26-year-old was on target in the 55th minute to add the crucial third goal at Old Trafford, helping the visitors rally from a goal down after United captain Katie Zelem had struck early with a 21st-minute penalty in the derby.

Jill Roord led the City comeback with a 34th-minute equalizer, while Lauren Hemp put them in front two minutes later thanks to Shaw’s assist.

The City was reduced to ten players in the 72nd minute after Laia Alexandria was sent off for a second yellow. Still, they managed to see off late United pressure with steely defending.

Manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw for her outstanding all-round display.

“All strikers want to score, and the longer the game went on last night, she contributed in being a real strong presence,” Taylor said.

“Her hold-up play was good; she created some good chances and had a couple herself, which she probably felt she could do better.

“But the type of goal she scored … was imposing. It was a different type of goal, but it really cemented why we need her to push and give energy at the team’s top, particularly when the opposition has the ball.

“I thought our front three did that, and Bunny was rewarded with the goal. It brings confidence for her because she knows she’ll get chances in this team.”

Entering the contest following defeats to Arsenal and Brighton, City found themselves potentially staring at one another when Alex Greenwood blocked Melvine Malard’s shot with her arm, and Zelem stepped up to score from the spot.

However, Roord leveled after being set up by Chloe Kelly. United had barely recovered before Hemp struck again moments later, curling in a left-footed volley after being teed up by Shaw.

The enterprising Jamaican then put the exclamation mark on the City’s performance, charging down an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Mary Earps and stabbing the ball into the back of the nets.