Manchester United Women beat Liverpool Women 1-0 in Leigh to continue their revival under new manager Eva Olid, with Julia Zigiotti’s early chip settling a closely fought contest.
United have now taken seven points from their last three games after a difficult start to Olid’s reign, which began with two defeats before a 5-0 loss to Chelsea. The victory also moved them level on points with Liverpool and secured back-to-back wins for the first time since February.
Liverpool goalkeeper Khiara Keating’s poor clearance presented Zigiotti with the opportunity inside six minutes. The United forward took advantage from just outside the area, lifting a precise finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
Gareth Taylor’s side, who are enjoying their best start to a Women’s Super League season in nearly a decade, pushed for an equaliser and came close on several occasions.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a superb double save in the 21st minute, keeping out efforts from Cornelia Kapocs and Beata Olsson in quick succession. Olsson then struck the post with a hooked effort from a free-kick four minutes before the interval.
United also threatened to extend their advantage. Jess Park’s powerful run from inside her own half ended with a shot from just inside the Liverpool box that crashed against the crossbar.
There were further chances after the break, with Jenna Clark heading narrowly wide for Liverpool from a corner and United’s Celin Bizet? Wait no, raw says Terland forces save. Need know first name absent, use Terland. 80 minute curling shot saved by Keating. Avoid “United’s” maybe Terland.
In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Keating came off her line quickly to deny a one-on-one after Ella Toone had sent Medina through on the left.
Liverpool continued to search for a way back into the game, but Tullis-Joyce’s saves and United’s resistance ensured Zigiotti’s sixth-minute finish remained decisive.
