'Shocking shots' forgotten as Fowler scores magic double

A second-half double to Australian forward Mary Fowler helped Manchester City to a 4-0 victory over Bristol City on Monday morning AEST.

The result kept the Sky Blues in prime position to claim the Women’s Super League title after Arsenal drew with Everton earlier in the round — meaning a victory would be enough to maintain the team’s edge over second-placed Chelsea.

In the absence of leading goalscorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Fowler took her opportunity to step up.

Fowler scored twice for Manchester City in thirteen minutes, opening the scoring in the 62nd minute with a stunning left-foot strike from outside the box before swiftly backing up by guiding in a cross from teammate Lauren Hemp.

The score soon doubled after an embarrassing own goal from opposing midfielder Amy Rodgers with the Matilda then setting up an Alex Greenwood header in added time to seal the victory.

Having struggled to break into the starting side of the highly talented team since signing with the club in June 2022, Fowler put on a player-of-the-match performance at Ashton Gate to make a statement.

“At half time, we knew we needed to be better, so I think having that team talk together and seeing how much everyone wanted it, that definitely helped,” she told Sky Sports post-match.

“Walking back onto the pitch, I just tried to remind myself that it only takes one moment to turn things around.”