Women's Champions League: Man City Women 2-0 Linkopings
Last updated on .From the section Women's Football
Manchester City put themselves in pole position to reach the Women's Champions League last four with a first-leg win at home to Swedish side Linkopings.
Keira Walsh struck the post before the visitors were denied a penalty when Steph Houghton challenged Lina Hurtig.
City were given a spot kick just after for handball, which saw Lisa Lantz sent off, and Nikita Parris converted.
Jane Ross' looping header doubled their lead and Georgia Stanway struck the bar as City failed to put the tie to bed.
City controlled the tie from start to finish, helped by Lantz's dismissal for two yellow cards within seconds of each other.
Nick Cushing's side were without suspended England midfielder Izzy Christiansen, though captain Houghton played despite missing training on Tuesday and Tessel Middag came off the bench for her first appearance in 10 months following a cruciate ligament injury.
Swedish league champions Linkopings, who will host the second leg on Wednesday, 28 March, had England international Natasha Dowie and former City midfielder Kosovare Asllani in their side.
Progress for City, who were knocked out at the semi-final stage last season, and fellow WSL 1 side Chelsea would see two British clubs in the last four of the competition for the first time.
