Khadija spells Shaw with goals in Newcastle thrashing

Manchester City moved up to third place in the Women’s Super League table after thrashing Brighton 7-2, with Khadija Shaw scoring four of her side’s goals.

City’s thumping win saw them rise above rivals Manchester United into the final Champions League qualification place, with both teams having just two matches remaining this season.

Brighton’s defeat means they remain in seventh ahead of their final WSL game, at home to Everton on May 8.

City dominated the encounter at the Academy Stadium, recording nearly 70 per cent of the possession and 19 shots to Brighton’s six, and were two goals ahead within 12 minutes thanks to Shaw, who was picked over Ellen White.

Gareth Taylor’s side quickly added a third thanks to Caroline Weir, although the Seagulls were able to peg back the hosts when Inessa Kaagman converted a penalty after Keira Walsh brought down Lee Geum-Min.

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Brighton continued their fightback on the stroke of half-time thanks to Julia Zigiotti Olme’s goal  but City reasserted their control in the second period thanks to two more strikes from Shaw .

But despite the win being secured, City wanted more and Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp scored within two minutes of each other to give the hosts a commanding victory that could prove vital in their bid to secure European football.