Grace Clinton scored her fourth Women's Super League goal of the season
Manchester United moved within one point of second-placed Manchester City with a narrow win at struggling Crystal Palace.
After scoring nine in their previous two games, Marc Skinner's side were handed an early Christmas present on the stroke of half-time.
Palace keeper Shae Yanez dawdled from a backpass, sold captain Aimee Everett short and left her goal unguarded for Grace Clinton to stroke home the winner.
With City losing at Everton earlier on Sunday – and leaders Chelsea drawing at Leicester – this three points moves United into contention for Champions League football next season.
"I think [the win] is important rather than special," said United manager Skinner. "It helps us close the gap, which is crucial.
"What I'm really proud of is how the players have dug in. We've kept seven clean sheets in 10 league games, and that's an incredible statistic."
They were ultimately good value for their victory, Leah Galton hitting the post in the first half and Brazil midfielder Geyse somehow being denied by Yanez after the break.
Substitute Celin Bizet could have made the game safe for United later on but screwed wide after another error at the back from Palace.
Clinton 'absolutely vital'
United have only lost once this season, at Chelsea, but their title challenge has been hampered by draws with mid-table sides Brighton and Aston Villa.
Promoted Palace are now six without a win, the longest streak in the Women's Super League, but put up stiff resistance in a tight first half.
Indeed, Katie Stengel almost put Palace in front when she fired into the side-netting after a fine first touch. Unfortunately for Palace, the striker picked up an injury in the process and the home side's threat seemed to go with her.
The leakiest defence in the WSL gift-wrapped a goal for United and Clinton, who scored her fourth of the season.
"She's absolutely vital," said Skinner. "What I loved about her performance today was her tenacity.
"The conditions didn't favour build-up play, but we knew we could capitalise on transition moments. Grace did exactly that - she was aggressive, pressed hard, and finished beautifully.
"Beyond the goals, her work rate off the ball has been outstanding. At Tottenham, we challenged her to improve in that area, and she's done just that. Those four goals are fully deserved."
Victory for the visitors - who boast the best defence in the division with just three goals conceded - became a foregone conclusion, even in the face of late pressure.
Despite the win, United remain fourth going into the five-week Christmas break but will have an instant chance to change that when the WSL returns.
That is because they return to action against neighbours City on Sunday, 19 January.
