Lisa Naalsund’s double proved enough for Manchester United to edge past Women’s Super League strugglers Bristol City.
Naalsund gave United a ninth-minute lead, rolling the ball past her marker after a skilful run before firing past Shae Yanez.
The Red Devils had the majority of the ball and tried to find ways to extend their lead, but were unproductive in the final third until Naalsund turned home from a corner in added time.
Bristol City – who are bottom of the table with just six points from 16 games – had come close to equalising at 1-0 down when Shania Hayles rattled the post in the second half.
The visitors showed glimpses of their attacking threat, particularly with pace on the counter-attack, but didn’t produce many clear-cut chances – just like United.
City’s hopes were also hit when defender Jamie Lee-Napier was sent off in the 82nd minute after picking up a second yellow card.
Naalsund’s second goal settled the outcome as United held out for a clean sheet and victory that kept them fourth in the table and six points behind third-placed Arsenal.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Man Utd Women
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 27Earps
- 14Riviere
- 4Le Tissier
- 21Turner
- 6Blundell
- 10Zelem
- 16Naalsund
- 17GarcÃa
- 7Toone
- 9MalardSubstituted forda Silva Ferreiraat 58′minutes
- 22ParrisSubstituted forWilliamsat 75′minutes
Substitutes
- 5Mannion
- 8Guerrero
- 12Ladd
- 15Evans
- 23da Silva Ferreira
- 25Rabjohn
- 28Williams
- 36Aherne
- 91Tullis-Joyce
Bristol City Women
Formation 5-4-1
- 30Yañez
- 2PowellSubstituted forHarrisonat 64′minutesBooked at 90mins
- 5Aspin
- 6Connolly
- 3StruckSubstituted forStratigakisat 64′minutes
- 11NapierBooked at 82mins
- 24MorganSubstituted forEvansat 90′minutes
- 8Rodgers
- 16Syme
- 9HaylesSubstituted forWardat 53′minutes
- 17Thestrup
Substitutes
- 1Bentley
- 7Harrison
- 13Clark
- 15Bull
- 18Stratigakis
- 22Evans
- 29Ward
- 36Slocombe
- 39Kendall
- Referee:
- Elizabeth Simms
- Attendance:
- 4,254
Live Text
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Match ends, Manchester United Women 2, Bristol City Women 0.
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Second Half ends, Manchester United Women 2, Bristol City Women 0.
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Abi Harrison (Bristol City Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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Geyse (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Foul by Abi Harrison (Bristol City Women).
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Mari Ward.
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Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City Women).
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Goal! Manchester United Women 2, Bristol City Women 0. Lisa Naalsund (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross following a corner.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Mari Ward.
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Attempt missed. Geyse (Manchester United Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by LucÃa GarcÃa.
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Substitution, Bristol City Women. Lisa Evans replaces Ffion Morgan.
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Attempt missed. LucÃa GarcÃa (Manchester United Women) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. Assisted by Katie Zelem with a cross following a set piece situation.
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Delay over. They are ready to continue.
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Delay in match because of an injury Shae Yañez (Bristol City Women).
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Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Foul by Sarah Stratigakis (Bristol City Women).
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Attempt missed. Rachel Williams (Manchester United Women) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Lisa Naalsund.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Abi Harrison.
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Corner, Manchester United Women. Conceded by Brooke Aspin.
