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Bright and Cuthbert on target as Chelsea beat Man City 2-0 to take Charity Shield honours
30 August 2020
Wembley Stadium hosted its first ever Community Shield double-header
Millie Bright's sensational long-range goal and an injury-time second from sub Erin Cuthbert secured a 2-0 Women's Community Shield victory for Chelsea against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Bright's stunning effort flew into the top corner beyond the reach of 'keeper Ellie Roebuck moments after City had been reduced to 10 players following the dismissal of Jill Scott for two bookable offences.
Scotland international midfielder Cuthbert put the result beyond doubt when she was first to react after City had failed to clear their lines and rifled the loose ball into the roof of the net.
Chelsea were good value for their win in the first of back-to-back Commuity Shield matches, the second of which saw Arsenal beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties in the men's contest.
It was the eighth trophy won by Blues' manager Emma Hayes on an afternoon that also saw Fran Kirby make a welcome return to senior action for the first time since November 2019.
Speaking to BBC One afterwards goalscorer Bright beamed, "I scored at City away and that was pretty decent but scoring at Wembley is unbelievable. What a start because we are going for a lot of trophies this year.
"We were always confident. Both teams have new players but we focus on ourselves. It was tense. It was never in doubt that we would score but we were a little rusty in front of goal."
It was not such an enjoyable afternoon for Gareth Taylor, taking charge of his first match as Man City head coach. Nonetheless, the former Wales international striker refused to be downbeat, telling the club's official website, "I thought it was a good game up until Jill's sending off and that changes things, but that's sometimes the way it is.
"We've got plenty of things to work on but we have to dust ourselves off and go again next weekend.
"We'll remain level, we'll keep working day in day out and continue looking forward to our objectives this season."
Taylor's side kick off the Barclays FA WSL season against promoted Aston Villa on Saturday, 5 September (14:30).
Chelsea start their title defence 24 hours later when they face Manchester United (14:30) in their opening game.
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I scored at City away and that was pretty decent but scoring at Wembley is unbelievable. What a start because we are going for a lot of trophies this year."
Mille Bright
Chelsea and Lionesses' defender