WSL: Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool - Casey Stoney's side earn first Super League win
- Published
Manchester United secure their first WSL win against lacklustre Liverpool
Second-half goals from Lauren James and Katie Zelem gave Manchester United victory over rivals Liverpool in their first Women's Super League meeting.
James turned inside the box and fired past Liverpool keeper Anke Preuss in the second half to break the deadlock before Zelem made it two from the spot.
James was one of three United players to hit the woodwork, while Leah Galton was denied from close range.
Liverpool, who are bottom of the table, remain without a win this season.
United were frustrated in the first half, with manager Casey Stoney screaming at her team from the dugout to press and use more width.
Liverpool had been able to get in behind on a few occasions and their best chance came from a corner, but defender Niamh Fahey's header was cleared off the line by Katie Zelem.
The home side's 'Barmy Army' were full of voice throughout, creating a hostile atmosphere for Liverpool, who also lost to Stoney's team in the Continental Tyres Cup in August.
Their chants were aimed at the Liverpool players and manager - Vicky Jepson laughing and applauding their efforts after being taunted in the first half.
Manchester United boss Casey Stoney ended her playing career as Liverpool captain
On the pitch, tensions flared between James and Kirsty Linnett late in the second half and there were crunching tackles from Liverpool's Melissa Lawley that were not well received by the home support.
But Stoney's frustrations on the sidelines evaporated after the break when United's chances increased.
Galton and substitute Kirsty Hanson hit the crossbar following a dangerous build-up on the left and Hanson could have been awarded a penalty after a scramble in the box minutes later.
And when James' sharp turn and powerful shot broke the deadlock, nearly all of the 2,813 fans inside the ground stood up in celebration.
After narrow defeats to last year's top two Arsenal and Manchester City, this was United's first victory of the season in the WSL.
James scores first WSL goal for Man Utd
Manchester United manager Casey Stoney:
"There was a lack of intent in the first half. We spoke about that. It's about making sure we keep our standards really high.
"If we can match what we had against Man City, we should be better against Liverpool. That's no disrespect to Liverpool it's just about keeping our standards high.
"I'm never bursting a blood vessel at my players. I get slightly frustrated at certain decisions (not going our way) when I think they are clear and obvious.
"I am a passionate person. I kick every ball, I head every ball and I do get animated on the sidelines. I am never going to change that, that's just who I am unfortunately."
Liverpool boss Vicky Jepson:
"I embraced it (the atmosphere). These chants about Scousers robbing stuff - bring it on. We prepared for that. They're notorious for their chanting - the Barmy Army, or whatever they want to be called - but it didn't bother me.
"It's good for the occasion, it's a rivalry. My players and my staff were ready for that, so when they were shouting my name and shouting stuff, I just smiled. It's water off a duck's back - the main thing is that we came here to compete.
"I think that we did that for maybe 80 minutes of the game. We've just got to find that last little bit now and when we do, we'll come good. It's just fine-tuning.
"We've got to be clinical in front of goal. Finding the end product. We're creating, which is good, but we've got to start finding the back of the net."