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Manchester United Women beat Crystal Palace yesterday to climb within seven points of leaders Chelsea.
Coming off two big wins against Liverpool and Newcastle United, the Red Devils squeezed past the bottom placed side in the league.
United almost got their noses in front with a long throw in early on. Leah Galton flicked the ball on and it thundered off the post as the Palace keeper, Shae Yanez, was well-beaten.
Then it was the home side’s turn to get a bit of control of the game as Phallon Tullis-Joyce had to come out and claim a short corner routine.
Shortly after, Katie Stengel broke free of the United defence and fired a fine effort into the side netting.
This jolted United into action and down the other end, another long throw caused problems for the Eagles’ defence and it was cleared only as far as Dominique Janssen, whose fierce effort from distance was well stopped by Palace’s American keeper.
Finally, United got the breakthrough in the fifth minute of added time in the first half.
Strong pressing from Galton got the keeper caught in two minds and she made a poor pass to her defender which Geyse nicked off her toes. The ball broke kindly for Grace Clinton, who made no mistake and slotted it home calmly.
It was her fifth goal of the season as she has really solidified herself as one of United’s top stars.
United started the second half in dominant fashion. A Galton cross broke to Geyse, who shot right at keeper when she probably should have scored.
In a quiet second half, substitute Celin Bizet won the ball well on the right after some good pressing and went one-on-one with the keeper but unfortunately dragged her effort wide of the post.
There was still time for the home side to threaten once more but Ashleigh Weerden’s long range effort was well watched by Tullis-Joyce who calmly held on to a difficult effort.
It was another clean sheet for the American who has only conceded three goals in ten Women’s Super League games. She has handled the pressure of filling Mary Earps’ boots wonderfully so far.
So 2024 ends for the Women’s team with a rather successful opening to the season under their belt.
Marc Skinner’s side will next be in action when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to the Leigh Sports Village for the fourth round of the FA Cup on the 12th January.
Featured image Andrew Redlington via Getty Images
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