In his first season Cushing's City started slowly as they adjusted to their new first division status, finishing fifth of eight teams and registering only six victories from their 14 matches, although the season was salvaged to some extent when Manchester City became the first team in four seasons to beat Arsenal to the FA WSL Cup trophy. Their lacklustre form continued at the start of the 2015 season as they took five points from their opening five league games before the season was interrupted for two months by the 2015 Women's World Cup, in which England finished a very creditable third. Returning from the break, England's performance seemingly brought Cushing's City team to life as he managed them to a run of 12 wins in 13 matches, a pivotal point in his career.