Manchester City played out a thrilling draw against neighbours and top-three rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium in the Women’s Super League.

City’s first-half response was not encouraging for the subdued home crowd and the opening exchanges of the second period did not make for better viewing.

But Laura Coombs’ header from Chloe Kelly’s cross – which had evaded United defender Millie Turner, who was distracted by the presence of the WSL’s top goal scorer Khadija Shaw – drew City level and sparked them and the home crowd into life.

What ensued was an entertaining, end-to-end encounter, with both sides knowing a point – even though it was probably a fair result – would be no good to them if the title race and push for third-place goes down to the wire.

City are fourth in the table, three points behind second-placed United after nine games. Leaders Chelsea are a further two points ahead.

The result means United have still never beaten their city rivals in the WSL.

City’s game of two halves

The hosts started the game well and for 20 minutes United struggled to deal with City’s high press as the Blues limited their only chance to a Katie Zelem set-piece, smothered by goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck.

But as the first half went on and the visitors managed to break through that press, City struggled to create any meaningful chances and momentary flashes of brilliance from Lauren Hemp, who did not see enough of the ball, were the only thing a subdued crowd could find to cheer about.

City’s frustrations came to a head when Leila Ouahabi’s diving tackle cut out a superb driving run from Hannah Blundell and the former Barcelona defender screamed at her City team-mates, furious that Blundell had been able to make the run.

The home side started the second half much the same and Coombs’ headed goal came out of nowhere but it was the catalyst City needed to raise their game.

Kelly sent in a dangerous ball that looked set for the back of the net before firing over the bar on the volley, while Hemp’s low cross was skewed over the bar before it could reach the arriving Shaw.

Earps twice denied the head of Shaw and the Jamaican striker almost had the chance to volley home after a scramble in the box as the crowd sensed something could be brewing.

City manager Gareth Taylor paced his technical area, while United counterpart Marc Skinner opted for a more controlled position on the bench, as the crowd inside the Etihad willed the home side to find an elusive winner.

After what started as a dispiriting City performance, Taylor will probably be disappointed his side could not wrap up the victory and firmly put his side among the title contenders.