Aston Villa vs Manchester United LIVE: Women's Super League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Villa Park
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
Katie Zelem (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Offside, Aston Villa Women. Rachel Daly tries a through ball, but Laura Blindkilde Brown is caught offside.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt missed. Gabrielle George (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross following a corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Laura Blindkilde Brown.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Gabrielle George.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt saved. Lucy Staniforth (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt blocked. Alisha Lehmann (Aston Villa Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kirsty Hanson.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Foul by Danielle Turner (Aston Villa Women).
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
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