Georgia Stanway helped Manchester City claim the first piece of the silverware of the women’s football season, as her side defeated Arsenal in a penalty-shoot out in the final of the Continental League Cup last Saturday.

City were triumphant 4-2 on penalties, with Barrow-born Stanway one of their successful takers after the match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, had finished goalless after extra time.

It is the third time the Women’s Super League leaders have lifted the League Cup and it avenges the 1-0 defeat they suffered against Arsenal in the final of the same competition last year.

It also completed a family double for the Stanways from the penalty spot, after Georgia’s brother, JP, struck twice from 12 yards in Holker Old Boys’ 2-1 victory over St Helens Town in the First Division North of the North West Counties League on the same day.

England international Stanway, 20, netted City’s first penalty of the shoot-out, which was cancelled out by Arsenal captain Kim Little, before Lauren Hemp had her effort well saved.

However, City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley proved to be the hero of the hour, as she kept out penalties from Leah Williamson and Danielle van de Donk either side of Claire Emslie's successful effort to turn the tide in her side's favour.

Captain Steph Houghton and the Gunners' Dominique Bloodworth then both scored, giving Janine Beckie, who had hit the bar twice in normal time, the chance to clinch the cup, and she made no mistake.

Manchester City coach Nick Cushing said: "I expected it to be cagey because I expected them to come out and press us. I read a lot of their media beforehand, but I thought the girls sorted it out really well, with that tactical understanding of how to get momentum in the game. They did that incredibly today.

"It's been a squad effort and to win the first trophy available, after not winning anything last year, shows the strength and the character of the group."

City are chasing a domestic treble this season and currently lead Arsenal at the top of the WSL by two points and are in the quarter finals of the women's FA Cup.

Stanway has now flown out with the England squad for the SheBelieves Cup and she will be looking to add to her two international caps in tournament, which takes place in the USA.

England get their campaign underway against Brazil in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday night before facing the hosts in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday and their final game will be against Japan in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, March 5.