Grace Clinton’s stunning strike from 40 yards helped Manchester United sweep past Aston Villa with a 4-0 win, keeping pace in the race for the WSL’s top three.
The England international caught Sabrina D’Angelo off her line at the end of the first half as she curled home Man Utd’s third goal from range.
However, there was an air of controversy about it as Clinton fouled Jill Baijings in the build-up, but a free-kick was not given by the referee.
Grace Clinton scored an amazing goal from 40 yards out after a controversial tackle on Jill Baijings
Aston Villa had every right to feel aggrieved by the decision, but a third goal had been on the horizon. They were already 2-0 down thanks to Elisabeth Terland’s double – the first a slotted effort before she nodded home a superb cross from Jayde Riviere.
Man Utd made it four just after the hour when Leah Galton prodded home Melvine Malard’s cross, with a deflection off Lucy Parker on the way through.
Elisabeth Terland opened the scoring for Manchester United by putting the finishing touch to a well-worked counter-attacking move
Villa improved in the final 15 minutes of the game – Missy Bo Kearns with the pick of the chances as she fizzed wide – but the visitors clung on to their clean sheet.
Terland headed home an inch perfect cross from Jayde Riviere to get her second goal against Aston Villa
Perhaps the only blemish on Man Utd’s evening was an injury to Celine Bizet after a reckless challenge from Danielle Turner. She hobbled off the pitch before heading down the tunnel with a jacket covering her head.
Leah Galton tucked away a great Melvine Malard cross to put Manchester United 4-0 up against Aston Villa
It was the perfect response from Marc Skinner’s side after defeat to Liverpool last weekend. Man Utd remain third in the WSL on goal difference, level on 39 points with Arsenal, and seven clear of Manchester City in fourth after their defeat to Chelsea earlier on Sunday.
