Manchester City 'refocused' after Women's World Cup, says boss

Toni Duggan (second from left) opened the scoring for Manchester City in Sunday's win at Chelsea

Boss Nick Cushing attributes Manchester City's form to the Women's World Cup no longer being a distraction.

City have won every game since the World Cup break, including Wednesday's 5-0 Continental Cup win over Durham.

Five players featured in England's bronze-medal-winning side in Canada.

"With it round the corner, they were bound to have a focus on it," Cushing told BBC Sport. "We knew that and we supported them so that they made the World Cup."

Cushing continued: "It's the biggest tournament in the world. We asked for one thing and that was full focus at club level when they came back and I can't fault them.

"All of our players, whether they're England players or not, have applied themselves exceptionally well."

City's three victories in Women's Super League One since the international break have seen them move to within four points of leaders Sunderland, with a game in hand.

Krystle Johnston scored twice in Manchester City's win over Durham on Wednesday

"Until mathematically out, everybody can win this league," added Cushing. "There's a point here and two points there.

"We just want to concentrate on evolving our playing style and being the team that everybody enjoys watching.

"I think it'll go all the way down to the wire, we just want to keep improving."

Wednesday's win against Durham means City are also unbeaten in the Continental Tyres Cup.

Krystle Johnston and Nikita Parris both scored two goals each, with midfielder Isobel Christiansen also finding the net.

In Group Two's other match, Sunderland were 5-2 winners against Everton. Steph Roche netted her first goal for Sunderland, with Beth Mead and Emma Kelly both scoring twice, while Michelle Hinnigan and Emily Hollinshead responded for WSL 2 side Everton.

Elsewhere, Reading earned their first win in the tournament with a 3-1 triumph over fellow second-tier side Millwall.

Arsenal remain top of Group One with a 3-1 win over London Bees.