Wensdi Gossip

by Caroline Oatway@Roline_MCFC

Media Watch: Neville hails ‘amazing’ Stanway

‘Oh Georgia Stanway, she scores when she wants!’ – and what a goal she scored for England in Tuesday night’s friendly against Norway!

Despite her tender age, Stanway has already made a name for herself as a scorer of stunning long-distance strikes, and she added another to her collection to open the scoring for the Lionesses, rocketing a glorious effort from range which was so powerful, it struck the bar twice – even she seemed pleasantly surprised!
Needless to say, the goal sparked delirium on social media and provides Stanway with a major boost ahead of Saturday’s mouth-watering maiden Super League Manchester Derby.
City and England shot-stopper Karen Bardsley, who unfortunately misses the game through injury, and United boss Casey Stoney have also shared their thoughts on the game…

On the international front
Sky Sports: Neville impressed by Stanway in Norway
Phil Neville: “It was a fantastic goal. We’ve seen that from her over the past two years – she’s got the ability to shoot from distance with real power and accuracy.
“I thought she was amazing. The kid played very well the other day against Belgium.
“She’s someone who takes everything on board – what you have to say.
“She had a really good World Cup, although she didn’t get the minutes she wanted. She’s pushing for that number 10 spot and deserves a place in the team."

The Express: England star Georgia Stanway scores screamer against Norway to send Lionesses fans wild
Matt Atherton: “England star Georgia Stanway scored an absolute screamer in the Lionesses’ international friendly against Norway to leave fans waxing lyrical.
“The Manchester City Women midfielder struck the ball from 25 yards out, easily beating Norway's goalkeeper, Ingrid Hjelmseth.
“The ball was hit with such venom that it struck the crossbar, bounced onto the goal-line, and then made it back to the crossbar, before rustling into the net.
“The goal sent England into a 1-0 lead at the Brann Stadion in Bergen, and Lionesses fans think it’s a sign of things to come from Stanway."

From the players
Sky Sports: Bardsley: Manchester Derby ‘a great opportunity’
Karen Bardsley: “It's a great opportunity and a privilege to have this opportunity and both clubs need to take that opportunity by the scruff of the neck really and show people in England and across the world how far the women's game has come but also how far it can go.
"It would be great to fill it but I want people to come away with an experience they love [where they think] they play good football, very entertaining, it's an environment that's great to be a part of.
"There's a social aspect to it. We're inclusive, not trying to turn away, so I would be so, so proud if we could break an attendance record. It's going to be a tasty fixture and I am really looking forward to watching it."

View from the opposition
Sky Sports: Manchester United boss Casey Stoney says derby pressure is on Manchester City
Casey Stoney: "There will be some nerves, it's natural. It's an opening game of the WSL, they want to perform, they want to do well, we want to do well as a club.
"But I see it as an opportunity to express themselves, go out onto the grass, and make mistakes because that is how you learn.
"Obviously they don't want to make mistakes on the biggest stage but we want to encourage them to go out there and have no fear and have a go.
“We won't be expected to win this game, we shouldn't be expected to win this game. We've just been promoted, Manchester City are a fantastic team, they have been winning trophies for the last four years.
"The pressure and expectation should be on the opposition on Saturday."