Third-placed Man Utd edge past Brighton to stay unbeaten

Manchester United maintained their unbeaten start to the Women' Super League season by beating Brighton to move within two points of leaders Chelsea.

Elisabeth Terland scored against her former side to break the deadlock in the dying seconds of the first half before Jess Park, returning to the line-up after suffering a delayed concussion, doubled the lead in the 58th minute.

Fran Kirby halved Brighton's deficit 10 minutes later, but substitute Lisa Naalsund claimed a third goal for United, before Kiko Seike's injury-time consolation.

A fifth win in seven games ensured third-placed United remained among the title contenders.

Fans at the Broadfield Stadium witnessed an even start to the contest as early chances fell for Kirby and United's Julia Zigiotti Olme, but both had their shots blocked in front of goal.

The visitors soon gained control but were left frustrated for much of the first half after failing to convert their chances.

Park, who missed England's friendlies against Brazil and Australia as a precaution following a head injury, spurned a gilt-edged chance after a quick counter, while WSL top scorer Melvine Malard and Ella Toone also passed up opportunities.

But United finally found a way through on the stroke of half-time when Toone's pass into the box was inadvertently diverted into the path of Terland by Brighton defender Moeka Minami and the unmarked Norway striker slotted past Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Marc Skinner's side increased their advantage after the break as Park exchanged passes with Toone in the box and fired home her fourth goal since arriving from Manchester City.

Brighton threatened a comeback as Seike hit the woodwork, before Kirby was played through by Marisa Olislagers and calmly slotted past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

United managed to negotiate the tense ending, with Naalsund making it 3-1 in the final minute when Park teed her up to drive home a low strike.

Seike's classy dinked finish in added time proved not enough to affect the outcome.

Manchester United analysis: Park-Toone combo shine again

November could be a crucial month for Manchester United and they could not have hoped for a better start to it with this gritty win.

The Red Devils next face Aston Villa followed by a derby against second-placed Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on 15 November as they look to keep pushing defending champions Chelsea.

They also host Paris St-Germain at Old Trafford on 12 November and travel to Wolfsburg on 19 November in fixtures that could shape their Champions League campaign too.

And there were plenty of positives for Skinner to take from the Brighton trip, but none more than the displays of England pair Park and Toone who were again their brightest sparks.

Park had missed the 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid before the international break but impressed on her return, having scored twice against Everton in her last appearance, with Toone assisting both goals.

The connection between them was again evident against the Seagulls, with the duo exchanging passes before Park scored her side's second of the game.

Park was also key in Naalsund's goal, which turned out to be the winner, as she showed great presence of mind to get into the box and wait for the Norwegian to arrive before feeding the pass for her clinical strike.

Skinner will need the duo to keep delivering as United dream big this season.

Manchester United are unbeaten seven games into the WSL season

Brighton analysis: Spirited Seagulls fall short

Brighton were dealt a huge blow last week when Michelle Agyemang's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury ruled her out for the rest of the season.

The England forward, 19, had started five of their six WSL games before sustaining the injury while on international duty last week.

But Brighton's battling display against United showed they can cope with the absence of the on-loan striker as Seike and Kirby caused plenty of problems for the visitors.

Japan international Seike and seasoned campaigner Kirby both scored their second goals of the campaign, while Olislagers was a livewire in forward areas against an in-form United.

In fact, Dario Vidosic's side will rue not having salvaged a point in this contest, with Seike also striking the post in a much-improved second-half display.

But the reality is they have suffered three straight defeats in the league now - having also lost 1-0 to both Tottenham and Arsenal before the international break.

They are in seventh place and will need to improve results if they are to push for a higher finish this term.

What's next for these teams?

Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday, 8 November (12:00 GMT) when they host Aston Villa in the Women's Super League.

Meanwhile, Brighton have an away fixture against Liverpool next on Sunday, 9 November (12:00 GMT).

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