Manuela Pavi scored a stoppage-time equaliser as West Ham snatched a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

City’s top scorer Bunny Shaw looked to have secured victory when she came off the bench to put the visitors ahead at the Chigwell Construction Stadium 10 minutes from time.

But Pavi had the final say as she cut in from the right, exchanged passes with Riko Ueki and bent a shot inside the far post.

The result meant City missed the chance to return to the top three and dealt a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League but the Hammers will feel they warranted the point.

The hosts started well with Katrina Gorry having a shot deflected wide and Verena Hanshaw volleying over.

City went close through Laura Wienroither and Jess Park but Seraina Piubel drew a good save from Ayaka Yamashita at the other end and Ueki also headed at the keeper.

Yamashita also denied Shelina Zadorsky but West Ham needed Kinga Szemik to be alert to save from Lily Murphy just after the hour.

City were energised by the introduction of Shaw, who forced a save from Szemik within moments of coming on.

Wienroither then smashed a shot against the bar before Shaw headed wide.

The breakthrough came on 80 minutes as Shaw controlled Mary Fowler’s ball and tucked away.

Yet City could not hold on as West Ham produced a moment of quality in the first minute of added time, Pavi finishing coolly after Ueki backheeled the ball into her path.