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
Attempt blocked. Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Lucía García.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Substitution, Manchester United Women. Hinata Miyazawa replaces Hayley Ladd.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Goal! Aston Villa Women 1, Manchester United Women 1. Lucía García (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Millie Turner following a corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Danielle Turner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt missed. Nikita Parris (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ella Toone with a cross following a corner.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Rachel Corsie.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Goal! Aston Villa Women 1, Manchester United Women 0. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Adriana Leon.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt blocked. Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box is blocked.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Attempt blocked. Nikita Parris (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ella Toone.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa Women) is shown the red card.
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