Tottenham Hotspur Women 0-1 Manchester City Women: Sky Blues boost top three hopes

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor was pleased with an "ugly" win over Tottenham Hotspur that boosted their Champions League qualification hopes.

Caroline Weir bundled home a scrappy winner in the 61st minute after good work from Hayley Raso.

"We've given ourselves a good chance," Taylor told BBC Two.

City stayed fifth in the Women's Super League - five points behind third-place Manchester United, but with a game in hand.

Spurs remain fourth, two points ahead of City having also played one game more.

"The game wasn't particularly pretty and the goal probably summed that up," said Taylor.

"That was a pretty ugly win, but Tottenham are having a good season as well, so we're really pleased."

Tottenham's 2-1 win over City in September started a four-game winless run for the Sky Blues who were hampered by injuries in the first half of the season.

But Taylor's side are now in the midst of a fine run of form, winning six of their past seven in all competitions, including a victory over champions Chelsea in the League Cup final last weekend.

After a cagey first half, the visitors took control in the second period with Weir striking the post from a free-kick in the 54th minute.

Raso also went close after the restart, forcing Tottenham keeper Rebecca Spencer into a smart save with a shot across goal.

The City pair combined for the winner with Scotland midfielder Weir bundling in a rebound after a fierce Raso strike.

"It's a big victory, we're more than capable of going on a run which we've done previously," added Taylor.

"We've got seven games to go now. This was an important one to edge back in on the teams around us."

Tottenham are away to champions Chelsea on Wednesday 23 March in their next WSL fixture, while City host Reading in the league on Wednesday 16 March.