Manchester United reignited their Women's Super League campaign with a clinical second-half display to overcome Shaun Goater’s Aston Villa at Villa Park. The victory, United's first in three league outings, moves them within a single point of third-placed Arsenal and leaves Goater’s side reflecting on what might have been after a spirited opening 45 minutes.
In a tightly contested first half, the visitors took the lead after 27 minutes when Julia Zigiotti Olme’s corner curled directly into the far post. Villa responded almost immediately, with Kirsty Hanson wrong-footing Phallon Tullis-Joyce at her near post to restore parity. However, the game shifted dramatically after the interval. Elisabeth Terland restored the United lead 19 minutes from time with a sweeping finish, before Jess Park and Hanna Lundkvist added further goals to secure a dominant 4-1 scoreline.
Away from the top flight, it was a landmark weekend for Bermudian internationals and staff across the English pyramid. At Loftus Road, QPR goalkeeper coach Dashun Cooper oversaw a sensational performance as the R’s dismantled Chesham United Women 5-0 in the FA Women's National League, continuing the West London club’s fine run of form.
In the FA Women's National League Cup, Kenni Thompson and her Bournemouth AFC Women teammates safely secured their passage to the semi-finals. The Cherries produced a professional display to defeat Swindon 3-0 in their quarter-final clash, with Thompson’s creative presence in midfield proving vital as the South Coast side continues its pursuit of silverware.
Further north, Aaliyah Nolan continued her prolific form for Bradford City Women in the North East Regional Women's Football League. The forward found the net during a ruthless 7-0 victory over Sunderland at the Horsfall Stadium, a result that keeps the Bantams firmly at the top of the table.
There was mixed news elsewhere for the island’s representatives. Ava Frazzoni and AFC Sudbury Women suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cambridge United Women at the St Neots Grounds, while Keunna Dill and Trinae Edwards were on the wrong side of a 4-0 result as FC United of Manchester went down to a clinical AFC Fylde Women.
Finally, Jasmine Spence made an impact from the bench for Newport Pagnell Town Women. Introduced as a substitute, Spence added her name to the scoresheet as her side cruised to a 6-0 victory over Stanground Cardea Sports, maintaining their push for promotion in the East Midlands Women's Regional League.
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