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
Match ends, Aston Villa Women 1, Manchester United Women 2.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Second Half ends, Aston Villa Women 1, Manchester United Women 2.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Lucía García (Manchester United Women) is shown the yellow card.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Gabrielle George.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Gabrielle George.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Substitution, Aston Villa Women. Jordan Nobbs replaces Lucy Parker.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Goal! Aston Villa Women 1, Manchester United Women 2. Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt saved. Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Lucía García.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt blocked. Lucía García (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt blocked. Millie Turner (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies