Manchester United 2, London City Lionesses 1.

Maestre’s side match Manchester United stride for stride, separated only by a late header.

Sunday 15th February | Progress with Unity Stadium, Leigh

London City fell to a narrow defeat against Manchester United in their Barclays Women’s Super League match at the Progress with Unity Stadium, Leigh. 

It was a special day for numerous London City Lionesses, in particular Daniëlle van de Donk who made her first start for the club, and Malou Marcetto, who came from the bench to make her debut.

Nikita Parris’ fifth minute opener against her former club gave the visitors an early lead before Jess Park levelled. Millie Turner’s 78^thminute header proved the difference between the two sides.

The final scoreline did not reflect the overall runnings of the match as Eder Maestre’s side dominated large spells and created a number of chances against the team sitting second in the league and on a six-match winning run heading into the clash. 

Centre-back Wassa Sangaré withdrew after picking up a knock during the warm-up and Elena Linari came into the starting XI. This late change did not deter London City who were on the front foot from the first whistle. 

Former Manchester United forward Parris ensured her side got off to the perfect start, as she headed in Freya Godfrey’s inch-perfect cross.

Godfrey was a constant threat down the flank and pegged Marc Skinner’s side back. 

Finland international Sanni Franssi almost doubled London City’s tally but her effort from close range hit the side netting. 

On the half-hour mark, Park drew United level with a fine individual effort, cutting in from the left and firing past Elene Lete. 

London City were then indebted to Saki Kumagai, who captained Maestre’s side in the North West, as her perfectly timed tackle thwarted Park. 

Just shy of the interval, Parris could have doubled her tally and team’s lead when she intercepted a misplaced clearance from goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce just outside the box but Parris, off balance, could not get any power behind her effort and Tullis-Joyce made amends. 

The second half was equally compelling without the same number of chances and goalmouth action - London City defended resolutely and restricted the home side’s efforts from open play.

United took the lead with 12 minutes of the regulation 90 remaining, Turner headed home captain Maya le Tissier’s free-kick. 

Kosovare Asllani and Izzy Goodwin came off the bench and were a counter-attack threat without creating many clear openings. It was Goodwin who almost grabbed an equaliser at the death, flicking a header just wide of the post

Head coach Maestre said: “I am very proud of the team and how we approached the game. 

“It is frustrating not getting the result we feel we deserved. I feel the team performed very well today. 

“We were very solid in defence in the second half, we didn’t concede a lot of chances from open play.

“We are facing a team who are one of the best teams in Europe and it’s important we take the positives and move forward.

“I am happy as the mentality we are trying to build is evident.

 “My message to the players is to keep pushing because we are moving forward in the way we are approaching these games, especially against these types of opponents. I am very proud of them all."

London City return to action a week tomorrow (Monday 23 February) where they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at the CopperJax Community Stadium.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Teamsheet: Lete, Fernández (Goldie 87'), Pattinson, Kumagai, van de Donk (Aslanni 63'), Linari, Godfrey, Franssi (Goodwin 63'), Parris (Marcetto 80'), Kennedy, Geyoro (Roddar 80').