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Manchester United’s perfect start to the 2024/25 Women’s Super League Season came to a halt as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
United took the lead just 10 minutes in as Grace Clinton reacted the fastest to guide in a cross from Celin Bizet.
However, former United forward Nikita Parris restored parity moments after the restart when she headed in home from close range. Eventually, both sides had to settle for a share of the points.
United were the better side in the opening 45 minutes, as they pressed Brighton and fashioned a number of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.
Hinata Miyazawa forced Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley into an early save, keeping the ball from creeping into the bottom corner.
However, the Reds didn’t have to wait for too long to get the advantage. Bizet floated in a sublime cross and it was Clinton – at the near post – who reacted the quickest to connect with it and slot the ball into the back of the net.
Baggaley was called into action again, this time denying Elisabeth Terland and Miyazawa. Clinton came close to registering a double but she was thwarted by the underside of the crossbar. The United star came up with some fine bit of skill to get past multiple Brighton players in the box. She fired a shot and had well and truly beaten Baggaley but fortunately for the Seagulls, the crossbar came to their aid.
Brighton almost found the equaliser just before the break via Madison Haley but Phallon Tullis-Joyce swung into immediate action to deny her.
Dario Vidosic’s side drew level seven minutes after the interval as Parris – who departed United in the summer – came up with a glancing header to redirect Maria Thorisdottir’s strike, giving Tullis-Joyce absolutely no chance.
It was the first goal the Reds have conceded this season. Parris broke into wild celebration in front of United’s coaching staff.
In the second half, Brighton enjoyed some good spells of pressure but United had an answer for almost every question that was asked of them.
Ella Toone came close to clinching all three points for United as she shook off her marker and found space on the edge of the area but Baggaley caught the ball.
Mere minutes later, Tullis-Joyce had to dive to keep out a long-range shot from Fran Kirby. At the other end, Elisabeth Terland – who was kept quiet for large parts of the match – aimed a strike at the Brighton goal but it was tipped around the post by the busy Baggaley.
The result has left United at the top of the WSL table on goal difference and with 10 points from a possible 12.
Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Images
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