Manchester City kept their Champions League ambitions on track and ended Man Utd's unbeaten away record in the WSL with a narrow 1-0 home success.

The fifth Manchester WSL derby was dominated in the first period by Man City as visitors Man Utd, despite the advantage of a strong wind, struggled to retain possession and spent long periods in desperate defence.

Yet for all City's possession they lacked that quality in the final third to open the scoring. Plenty of half chances and promising positions were worked but the final ball was lacking. Ellen White, Vicky Losada and Jess Park all failed when in good positions but it was an early chance for Lauren Hemp that set the tone for the half.

Park fired in a hard low cross and Hemp arrived in the six-yard box but with an open goal waiting scooped the ball over the crossbar.

For Utd, unbeaten away in the WSL this season, chances were limited to set pieces which they wasted giving encouragement to City who failed to take advantage as they look to land a Champions League spot.

The wind became more of an issue in the second period with Utd keeper Mary Earps opting for short kicks and City over hitting their passes. But on 60 minutes Parks hit a low shot against the Utd post and the visitors responded immediately with a quick break that had tested Ellie Roebuck for the first time from Ona Batlle's effort.

With ten minutes remaining came the moment of class the game needed. Substitute Caroline Weir collected the ball some 35 yards out before chipping Earps into the top corner of the net for one of her trademark finishes.

Utd broke from the restart and almost levelled but City scrambled clear, then Roebuck had to race from her goal to clear.

At the final whistle City fans roared their relief and their team moved to within two points of 3rd placed Utd

Full Time

Man City: 1 (Weir 81)

Man Utd: 0

Att: 5317 (record attendance for the ground)

Venue: Academy Stadium