Aston Villa vs Manchester United LIVE: Women's Super League result, final score and reaction
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Manchester United came from behind to defeat Aston Villa 2-1 in their opening game of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season at Villa Park on Sunday, with substitute Rachel Williams scoring the late winner.
With the game into the second minute of added time, a cross into the box from Nikita Parris found Williams, and her header back across the goal beat Villa keeper Daphne van Domselaar to snatch the winning goal.
“It was a top match, we fought to the very end. We are very happy to score the two goals and come back from behind. It was hard work but we just kept going,” United’s other scorer Lucia Garcia said.
Last season’s WSL runners-up United fell behind in the 76th minute to a Rachel Daly goal. Daly, top scorer last season, controlled a pass from Adriana Leon before firing past keeper Mary Earps.
Villa’s goal came just two minutes after they had Kirsty Hanson sent off for a high tackle on Hayley Ladd, but their lead lasted just three minutes.
A scramble from a United corner kick saw the ball fall to Garcia and the Spaniard’s first-time shot found the net. With the extra player, United knew they still had time for a winner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Foul by Hayley Ladd (Manchester United Women).
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt missed. Leah Galton (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner. Assisted by Ella Toone.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Offside, Aston Villa Women. Lucy Staniforth tries a through ball, but Rachel Daly is caught offside.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Foul by Gabrielle George (Manchester United Women).
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt missed. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Lucy Staniforth with a cross following a corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Gabrielle George.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt saved. Hayley Ladd (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Daphne van Domselaar.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt saved. Geyse Ferreira (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Millie Turner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Lucy Parker (Aston Villa Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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