WSL: Manchester United Women 2-0 Liverpool Women

Second-half goals from Lauren James and Katie Zelem gave Manchester United victory over rivals Liverpool in their first Women’s Super League game.

 

 

James turned inside the box and fired it past Liverpool keeper Anke Preuss in the second half to break the deadlock before Zelem made it two from the spot.

 

James was one of three United players to hit the woodwork, while teammate Leah Galton was denied from close range.

 

Liverpool, who are bottom of the table, remain without a win this season.

 

United were frustrated in the first half, with manager Casey Stoney screaming at her team from the dugout to press and use more width.

 

Liverpool had been able to get in behind on a few occasions and their best chance came from a corner, but defender Niamh Fahey’s header was cleared off the line by Katie Zelem.

 

The home side’s ‘Barmy Army’ were full of voice throughout, creating a hostile atmosphere for Liverpool, who also lost to Stoney’s team in the Continental Tyres Cup last August.

 

Their chants were aimed at the Liverpool players and manager – Vicky Jepson laughing and applauding their efforts after being taunted in the first half.

 

On the pitch, tensions flared between James and Kirsty Linnett late in the second half and there were crunching tackles from Liverpool’s Melissa Lawley which were not well received by the home support.

 

But Stoney’s frustrations on the sidelines evaporated after the break when United’s chances increased.

 

Galton and substitute Kirsty Hanson hit the crossbar following a dangerous build-up on the left and Hanson could have been awarded a penalty after a scramble in the box minutes later.

 

And when James’ sharp turn and powerful shot broke the deadlock, nearly all of the 2,813 fans inside the ground stood up in celebration.

 

After narrow defeats to last year’s top two Arsenal and Manchester City, this was United’s first victory of the season in the WSL.