WSL: Nikita Parris brace secures Man United win over Aston Villa | OneFootball

Following on from the midweek Conti Cup drama, Manchester United welcomed Aston Villa to Leigh Sports Village. It was a tough affair between the two, but the Red Devils came out on top to secure a big win in their push for a Women’s Super League top three finish.

The two sides had last met back in October with the Reds taking three points from a 2-1 victory.

Starting XIs

Manchester United

Earps; Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Riviere, Naalsund, Garcia, Turner, Parris, Geyse

Aston Villa

van Domselaar; Mayling, Patten, Corsie, Lehmann, Nobbs, Daly, Dali, Blindkilde, Leon, Maritz

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How it went

Just seven minutes into the tie, Man United took the lead over Villa. Despite the visitors enjoying a bright start, Nikita Parris capitalised on an assist from Hannah Blundell to give Marc Skinner’s side the early lead.

United continued to enjoy the better first half and with 33 minutes on the clock, Parris bagged her brace for the afternoon. The No.22 followed up on Lucía García’s initial effort to give the hosts a comfortable lead heading into the break.

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A penalty awarded in the 60th minute offered Carla Ward’s side a route back into the tie. A foul in the box saw England star Rachel Daly step up to take the spot-kick, which the No.9 fired beyond Mary Earps. The remaining 30 minutes of play saw Villa exert increasing pressure on their opponents as they looked to pull back a crucial point. However, it wasn’t enough as the full-time whistle blew for an important United win.

The win took the Red Devils’ points tally for the season to 21 and they remain fourth in the table. Villa finished the weekend occupying eighth position. Ward’s side have taken just 12 points from their domestic campaign.

Who do Man United and Aston Villa face next?

Man United will welcome Brighton to Leigh Sports Village before embarking on back-to-back away fixtures. The Reds will face Southampton in the FA Cup ahead of a top four meeting with Jonas Eideval’s Arsenal.

Aston Villa will face newly promoted Bristol City at the Bescot Stadium. Ward’s side will then travel to face Tottenham before hosting Liverpool.

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