Women's Super League: Last-gasp Houghton's relief as Manchester City snatch dramatic victory

"Good teams know how to win!” The words of Manchester City Women’s captain Stephanie Houghton, speaking after her 93^rd minute free-kick snatched a 1-0 victory over Notts County on the opening day of the new Women’s Super League season.

"I'm just delighted we got three points. I think we showed great character to stick to how we played. We knew it was important to start off with a win, we knew last season we had a bit of a slow start, but we showed our class.”

It was a frustrating night for last year’s runners-up. They had won around 20 corners over the 90 minutes, bombarding the Notts County box, but just couldn’t find a way through.

New signing Kosovare Asllani had a goal flagged for offside in the first half and after watching visiting striker Jess Clarke, push her penalty wide of the post, England forward Toni Duggan had her spot kick saved in what was a pulsating first half.

City continued to pound at the door, but Notts defended with their lives. Without two England internationals in defence and midfielder, Danielle Buet, playing right-back, it was as inspiring as it was impressive.

County boss, Rick Passmore, described it perfectly after the game. “We were 30 seconds away from the masterplan. I am really, really pleased, but disappointed.”

The away side finished fifth last season, reached two cup finals, but came away empty handed from both. This was a fantastic away performance, perfect until the final kick of the ball. Stand-in goalkeeper Megan Walsh, who only found out she was playing the night before, played the perfect game – for 93 minutes.

This was all about Manchester City though. Finishing two points behind Chelsea at the end of last season, Nick Cushing would have been looking for areas where they could claw back that gap. Last season they drew the opening fixture away against Birmingham City, which was two vital points dropped.

[CHELSEA'S 'KOREAN MESSI' LOVES THE COMPARISON - BUT IT MAKES HER BLUSH]

“I'm proud of the players,” beamed City’s boss after the game. “We always speak about sticking to what we do and sticking to how we play, moving it, stretching teams and not forcing it, and we did that, and I thought we deserved a goal.”

With Chelsea improving and Arsenal getting stronger, Cushing knew the importance of starting their campaign with a win. It is always remarked as a sign of champions, winning the games where you could easily drop points.

“We weren't at our best. In previous seasons we would have lost or drawn those games, so I think it shows the growth and the way this team is growing and how the team is using the experience of the WSL to turn these games into wins.”

One of the biggest doubts over City’s title credentials this season, is the size of the squad that Cushing has at his disposal. At full strength, the starting XI is of outstanding international quality. Seven England players at last count, plus internationals from Scotland, Sweden and various England youth sides.

However, on Wednesday night, with Izzy Christiansen injured – doing a wonderful job on twitter commentary – midfielder Keira Walsh out for five months, new signing Megan Campbell also out and cup hero Georgia Stanway on international duty, Cushing named three players from the development squad in his five subs. Scotland’s Jenny Beattie was named as the fourth outfield player, but later sat in the stands as a spectator.

After the win, when asked by Yahoo if Cushing had any regrets over his winter dealings, the coach, in his third year in charge, was defiant but open about the club’s strategy this season:

“We have a recruitment strategy here, and this year it was to get a goalkeeper, to get a forward, to get a creative player and to get a left sided defender. Then to push up our development squad players. We want a regional talent centre to develop players and all that money is wasted if we are not going to put them on the pitch.”

It could be argued that another midfielder should have been added to that list, but until he is forced to use the development players, judgement will have to wait.

City now go into Easter Monday’s huge clash with Arsenal Ladies at the Academy Stadium. A bumper crowd is expected and both teams go into the game on three points after the Gunners opened the season with a 3-1 win over newly promoted Reading Women.

In contrast to Manchester City, Arsenal’s bench on Wednesday featured players with over 500 combined international caps. They also added England’s Jodie Taylor to the side on Thursday, confirming the forward has joined from the Portland Thorns. However, the prospect of facing the London club didn’t faze City’s captain.

“It's a massive game,” admitted Houghton. “We know they are a good team and they'll be in the same position as us. They'll want a bright start, but for us it’s about remaining confident and improving on this performance.”

One guaranteed winner on Monday will be champions Chelsea. After their opening day 4-1 win over Doncaster Belles on Thursday, Emma Hayes’ side face a tough home test against Liverpool, but know that one of their main title rivals will definitely drop points.

The Blues looked excellent against the newly promoted side, with Karen Carney’s dead ball delivery and understanding with Ji So-yun helping to pick apart the Yorkshire club.

They start the season top on goal difference, it’s now up to Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool on Monday, to try and knock them off their perch.