Aston Villa victorious against Union Berlin in final pre-season friendly | OneFootball

Aston Villa completed their preparations for the new Barclays Women’s Super League season with a 1-0 victory over German club 1. FC Union Berlin in a pre-season friendly at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium this afternoon.

A first half goal from Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly settled a keenly-contested game in Walsall.

Right-back Lynn Wilms was the only new signing to feature in Aston Villa’s starting XI, but fellow new additions Océane Deslandes, Lucia Kendall and Ellie Roebuck also got minutes in the second half.

After settling into the game, Aston Villa quickly became the dominant side and they registered an early shot on target which was blocked by a well-timed goal-line clearance from Union Berlin’s number two, Tomke Schneider.

As the game wore on, The Villans peppered the opposition goal with shots; Kirsty Hanson and Ebony Salmon going closest to breaking the deadlock.

The visitors also enjoyed occasional positive spells in-front of goal. They went close through a well-taken corner with set-pieces proving to be one of their strengths throughout the match.

Aston Villa were eventually able to break the deadlock through captain Daly in the 35th minute. The striker’s initial shot was blocked but she had more than enough time to control the rebound and smash the ball into the back of the net at the second attempt.

Union Berlin responded and new signing, Jenny Hipp, tried her luck from distance but she was unable to level matters before half-time.

The second half brought a lot of changes in personnel on both sides which had an impact on the intensity of the game. There were a few half-chances for both teams but ultimately, no further goals were scored and Aston Villa were able to keep their single-goal lead and finish pre-season on a high.

Aston Villa kick-off the new Barclays Women’s Super League season with a fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday 7 September 2025.