Manchester City Women boss Gareth Taylor hailed Chloe Kelly for providing the 'spark' for the Barclays FA Women's Super League title-chasers in their narrow win over Everton Women.
City endured a largely frustrating afternoon against a stubborn visiting outfit and entered the final 10 minutes deadlocked at 0-0.
But Keira Walsh found the vital breakthrough with a fine 81 st -minute finish and Taylor had fond words for both the goalscorer and in-form Kelly - who joined City from Everton last year - after the final whistle.
"Chloe (Kelly) was the spark in our attack," he said. "I thought she'd be the one to unlock the game - she enjoys going up against her former team and she was a real threat again today.
"We weren't at our very best, but it's one real moment of quality from Keira. Goals aren't a big part of Keira's game, but when she does (score) then it's fantastic for us. It was not an easy finish and it was needed because it wasn't an easy game up to that point."
Chances were at a premium at the Academy Stadium and Sam Mewis spurned the best opportunity of the first half, firing wide when a deflected free-kick fell invitingly into her path.
City belatedly got in behind the Toffees defence for the first time on 65 minutes but Ellen White let the visitors off the hook as she dragged her effort wide.
Just as it looked as though the hosts may drop costly points in their title push, however, Walsh was on hand to locate the bottom corner after fine work by Lauren Hemp.
City had to withstand late pressure from the visitors and Taylor was pleased with how his defence stood up to the task.
"The way we handled them at the end when they were putting balls into the box was excellent," he said. "The defence stood firm. Steph (Houghton) and Alex (Greenwood) did really well.
"It is difficult when you play against a low-ish block with five at the back and we've done that in the last two games. But we found the moment of quality."
City remain two points behind leaders Chelsea, who won 2-0 at West Ham later on Sunday afternoon.
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