With the dramatics of the international break now behind us, Aston Villa could refocus their thoughts on the WSL with an away trip to Manchester City.
Recent results between the two sides have been positive for Villa. Last season’s record league finish was aided by 4 points from Manchester City and the FA Cup also brought a memorable extra time winner for Villa in the quarter-final back in March.
Carla Ward’s set-up looked slightly different once again, this time without any recognised wingers starting the game. Simone Magill made her second start for the club, whilst Hanson and Leon were available on the bench. Fans were also happy to see the return of Lucy Parker to the squad after an ankle injury picked up in October.
Bunny Shaw fired a warning shot in the first few minutes; the striker was allowed to win a close-range header but van Domselaar and the surrounding defenders did just enough to put her off getting the ball on target.
Villa fought back and bursts of possession were shared by both sides, with an early chance falling to Jordan Nobbs after a defensive mix-up by the hosts. Soon after, Aston Villa capitalised through an impressive finish by Dan Turner. Kenza Dali sent a ball into the box and the centre-back ambitiously took on the volley with her weaker right foot, hooking the ball up and over Keating in goal.
Around 15 minutes in, Manchester City were awarded a free kick close to the edge of the box. Alex Greenwood looked to curl one into the left corner, but Maz Pacheco’s brave block with her head meant that van Domselaar was not troubled. Then, Lauren Hemp’s volley provided a scare after a cleared ball dropped to her in space, but the ambitious effort was wide of the post.
Manchester City thought they had equalised in the 30th minute, following a lapse in concentration from Sarah Mayling, losing out to Bunny Shaw very close to goal. Her shot was blocked, as was Jill Roords’, then Chloe Kelly’s attempt was saved by van Domselaar.
The Villans made it to half-time and Kirsty Hanson replaced Simone Magill.
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In the 60th minute, Lauren Hemp equalised as the two widest players on the pitch combined. Chloe Kelly was fed down the right side and swung a lifted cross over everyone in the box, for Hemp to head home at the back post. Arguably Manchester City’s most dangerous player left unmarked was a disappointing way to concede after a positive first half performance.
Just a few minutes later, Villa were punished again by the same player. This time, Kelly swung in a corner that Greenwood headed back across goal, for Hemp to poke goal wards from the exact same position.
Manchester City had completed their comeback and the game ended 2-1. Villa can be happy with some parts of the performance, but at a time when points are so important, another loss from a winning position is difficult to stomach. From five games where Villa have opened the scoring, we have lost four of them – something needs to change.
Wednesday offers a welcome distraction with another Conti Cup fixture against Durham, then we look back to the league on Sunday when we host Brighton.
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AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER
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Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Georgia Homer
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One Response
Unfortunately both goals came from Sarah being out of position she needs to do better fantastic goal from Dan girls played well first half but lacking an attacking threat we couldn’t hold onto the ball see you all Sunday at Bescot for a win utv
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