Manchester City’s Isobel Christiansen is hoping victory in this season’s FA Women’s Cup semi-final will kick-start the Citizens’ season.
The 23-year-old scored the goal which helped her team-mates defeat Arsenal in The Final of last season’s Continental Cup to give City their first ever trophy.
Nick Cushing’s side have only won one of their opening four FA WSL 1 matches – but are just one match away from an appearance in The FA Women’s Cup Final which will be staged at Wembley in August.
Chelsea v Man City
The FA Women's Cup
Semi-Final
2pm, Monday 4 May
Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers FC
Tickets priced £5 adults, £2 children
And Christiansen wants victory over Chelsea in next Monday’s semi-final to help get their campaign up and running.
She said: “We know we have more to give. I’m sure we will hit a good run of form sooner rather than later.
“We haven’t really hit top form yet this season but hopefully a win in this semi-final will kick-start things for us.
“We know how strong we are and know we can produce a big performance.”
City saw off Doncaster Rovers Belles and Birmingham City to reach the last four and they will take on the Blues at Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park, the scene of Christiansen’s glory goal.
The former England youth international powerfully headed home Krystle Johnston’s 73rd-minute cross to put City’s name on The Cup.
It is a moment, and a venue, that Christiansen will remember fondly for a long time.
She said: “Winning the Continental Cup there was such a special achievement for us.
Man City celebrate last year's Continental Cup Final win at Wycombe
“It was a fantastic night and I think it showed our intent going forward.
“I don’t like to dwell on the past too much, but it really is something I will never forget. It feels like it was yesterday.
“We have got pictures from that night all around the City Academy. It was a great night for the whole club.
“It will be nice to go back to Wycombe to re-live those moments.”
Christiansen is expecting a testing encounter against Chelsea, who have made a blistering start to the season.
“To play The Cup Final at Wembley is testament to how far the women’s game has come”
Isobel Christiansen
The Blues are top of FA WSL 1 and unbeaten in their opening five matches.
But the City forward hopes a Wembley final will act as another motivating factor for her side.
Christiansen added: “It’s what dreams are made of.
“Wembley is a magnificent stadium and to play The FA Women’s Cup Final there is testament to how far the women’s game has come.
“We are now producing performances as a league that are worthy of playing at Wembley.
“Hopefully the two teams that get there will produce a Final that will attract even more followers to women’s football.
“Fingers crossed we are one of the teams.”
