United earned a draw in the Manchester Derby despite being the better team for much of the game.
United started the game calm and serene.
Some pressure from the Blues came around five minutes after a free kick was taken on the edge of the box. It was well defended by Leah Galton but led to a series of three corner kicks, all of which were well dealt with by the Reds defence.
Galton was putting in some good races but there was no one to get to the end of his crosses.
City’s first chance came but it was well deflected.
It was United who made the breakthrough though, a brilliant run from Galton saw her dance again in the box and after a lovely little two with Toone, she netted the goal on 27 minutes.
City were pressing for an equalizer and had a few chances but Earps moved his feet well and crossed to make saves look easy.
Just before the break, United had a chance to make the second. Parris did well, but his cross was too close to Roebuck.
The first chance of the second half came for Russo, but he was unable to direct his header or get enough power to challenge Roebuck.
Unfortunately the next goal came for Manchester’s blue side despite the Reds coming back to better in the second half. It was Coombs who intervened.
But Batlle was causing all kinds of problems for the Blues down the right, sitting them out at every turn.
Russo had another chance but his header went over the crossbar.
A close one ensued as Galton put a brilliant ball into the box and Roebuck nearly put it into his own net.
United were playing quality football, but they just couldn’t finish it.
The Reds had a chance again in stoppage time, as a mistake at the back led to Galton putting in a beautiful cross and LucÃa GarcÃa was waiting, but City defended again, albeit sloppily.
Team: Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Blundell, Turner, Zelem, Ladd, Toone, Parris (Thomas), Galton, Russo (Garcia)
