Jess Park fires Man City to vital victory as Lionesses star Lauren Hemp lands assist on return from injury in narrow WSL win against Leicester to keep Women's Champions League hopes alive

With a Champions League slot up for grabs, City looked determined to find an early lead as they dominated possession right from kick-off. The visitors created several goal-scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes, but they failed to convert those chances in the final third as Leicester defended resolutely.

The Foxes, who are languishing in the bottom half of the league table, had their fair share of chances to take a lead as they frequently threatened the City backline from quick counter-attacks.

After a frustrating first half, Nick Cushing finally introduced Alex Greenwood and Hemp at the hour mark as the Lionesses duo finally returned to action after a long injury layoff. The substitutions proved to be fruitful as Hemp provided the assist for Park's all-important winner in the 70th minute. Laura Coombs initiated the move before she found Hemp to her left. The 24-year-old forward then found Park with a pinpoint assist as the England international found the back of the net.

It was an important win for Cushing's side ahead of the Manchester derby as they have now reduced their gap with third-placed Red Devils to four points and kept their hopes alive of securing a Champions League slot.

While Park and Hemp's combination in the second half confirmed all three points for City, star goalkeeper Khiara Keating played a vital role in keeping a clean sheet and eventually clinched the victory. At one point in time, when City were struggling to find the back of the net, Keating made some crucial saves to make sure the club eventually walked away with a clean sheet.

The Leicester backline looked resolute in the first half as they managed to keep the City attacker silent. They, however, started crumbling as the game progressed after the break and eventually conceded the goal in the 70th minute. The Foxes defenders were caught napping inside their own box as Hemp's feeble pass from the left flank went straight in Park's direction before the English forward scored.

Cushing's side will be next seen in action in the Women's Super League on May 4 as they take on rivals Manchester United in a crucial encounter.