Aston Villa Women were finally back in action after the international break and welcomed Manchester United to the Banks’ Stadium.
Confidence was still high after the last league win against Tottenham Hotspur, but presumed injuries to goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and veteran Jill Scott were a concern as the team was announced. Ruesha Littlejohn stepped into midfield and Sian Rogers made her first start of the season in goal.
Manchester United continue in their battle to retain third place and Champions League qualification, as Manchester City chase them from fourth position.
Sian Rogers was tested in the opening minutes, but Ella Toone’s shot was central and dealt with confidently. The team remained under pressure and another nervous moment came as Martha Thomas was set up for a shot across goal that Rogers was able to parry away. Play was kept alive by Alessia Russo but Villa’s Anita Asante was on the line to block the second shot.
The game continued in United’s favour but there were times for a potential breakthrough, including a long range effort from Emily Gielnik as she spotted Mary Earps off her line. Another move was created by Alisha Lehmann sending Sarah Mayling down the right wing in a reversal of their usual roles, but the fullback could not keep her shot on target.
Villa’s chances were few and far between, but thanks to a solid defensive display the teams went in level at the break.
The second half continued with much of the same. Thomas remained a threat, with a couple of early chances that she did not manage to convert. Sian Rogers was unphased and went on to deal with a number of corners, one of which Thomas was able to get her head to.
Moving into the final 25 minutes, Lehmann’s 35 yard effort was saved and Petzelberger had several attempts on goal. Centre-back Rachel Corsie’s shot was headed wide from a corner. Bodies were on the line for Aston Villa but attacking chances were still there.
Carla Ward added fresh, positive substitutions in Boye-Hlorkah and Hayles, and was later forced into a third change as Skipper Remi Allen was helped off the pitch following a collision. 17-year-old Olivia McLoughlin took over for the last 5 minutes.
Resilience was needed in the final minutes. Asante made more vital blocks and Sian Rogers made an injury time save to deny Katie Zelem the winner. The points were shared in a goalless draw, credit to Rogers and Asante in particular. After 596 days without a league start, Sian Rogers dented Manchester United’s UWCL dreams and added a valuable point to Villa’s tally.
Villa stay in ninth with two games left – two games that could potentially decide the title and relegation of the WSL this season – against Arsenal and Birmingham City.
GEORGIA HOMER | UTV PODCAST
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