Boos from the United fans as a free-kick goes against their side just as they looked to be in for a second.

The first through ball was cut out by the sliding tackle of Steph Houghton but it breaks kindly for Leah Galton.

She tries to burst into the box but Lauren Hemp's pace is enough for her to get back, in front of the United attacker and win the free-kick.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

We've seen it time and time again where a team of 10 players make themselves difficult to break down, and then they find that extra resilience and effort in their stomachs.

What they do need is a goal, and that is going to be difficult.

They've gone to three at the back, with Houghton, Greenwood and Morgan, it's just having those extra players to commit forward that might be difficult.

Image source, Getty Images

United have a corner as Alex Greenwood makes an error in judgement and heads Hannah Blundell's wayward effort back into play.

Nikita Parris' shot is blocked behind and, thankfully for Greenwood and City, the away side are able to clear the corner without incident.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It was whipped in, a real wicked free kick from Greenwood, and Kelly just can't keep her header down, clipping the under side of the bar.

A really good effort from City.

So close!

Brilliant ball in from Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly gets on the end of it.

She misses it with her head but it comes off her shoulder and thuds against the crossbar!

The loose ball comes to the edge of the box and Filippa Angeldahl lashes it over the bar.

Free-kick for City in a good position on the right.

Down to 10, these could be the situations for them to get back into the game...

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I don't think City will have any complaints about the red card.

Yes there was a slight question of whether Ouahabi could have gotten back [on the cover], but the speed at which the challenge happened, I think the red card was a fair one.

Image source, Getty Images

Superb piece of skill from Ona Batlle to hook the ball back over her own head and wrong-foot two City attackers closing her down.

The United right-back promptly gives the ball away with what should have been a straightforward pass - it is so often the way!

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Well it was a nightmare start to that first half for Manchester City and a nightmare end, as well.

What drama has this half got in store for us?

We're back under way at Leigh Sports Village.

Everything points towards a United win now but can City surprise us all and find a way back into this game with 10?

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

United just have to the think about controlling the 'controllables'. You can't do anything about anybody else's business, you just have to take care of your own.

There's a big 45 minutes to go, but Marc Skinner will want to get them out of the way and start focussing on next week.

Everton forward Toni Duggan speaking on Sky Sports: "It was a great start from Manchester United. Chelsea started with intent, going out there and saying 'we're going to be champions' and Man United have done the same thing today.

Nikita Parris and Hayley Ladd applying the pressure and it's paid off. They've got a red card and they're 1-0 up."

United were deservedly in front before the red card, of course.

Hayley Ladd could not have placed that shot any better if she'd picked it up and put it in the top corner herself.

That gave United the lead inside two minutes and, while City had their moments, they have looked more likely to extend it than concede an equaliser.

Image source, Getty Images

The red card is undoubtedly the key moment of that first half.

You have to wonder what Ellie Roebuck was thinking? It was a rush of blood but one that could prove extremely costly.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It's going to be really difficult for City now.

Sometimes when you play against 10 players they can make it hard for you, they'll bank up and close ranks.

But the issue for City is that they are already a goal down. If it had been 0-0 you would have thought they could sit tight and maybe nick a goal.

You never know though, they've got some fantastic players - I don't know how Bunny Shaw hasn't scored yet this evening. She's looked very dangerous.

The half-time whistle goes and United are doing what they have to do.

Hayley Ladd's brilliant strike gave them an early lead and they could have been out of sight given their early dominance.

City came back into it as the half went on but a calamitous red card for goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck just before the break means they are right up against it with 45 minutes to play.

United almost grab a second on the stroke of half-time.

Ona Batlle clips the ball in and Leah Galton is completely unmarked in the middle.

She has to stretch for it though and sends her shot wide of the post.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Now City are down to 10 players, you'll see United really increase that high press again, particularly on Keating.

She is a young goalkeeper and can sometimes be nervy with the ball at her feet, she isn't as comfortable as Roebuck in that area yet.

City will really want to get in at half time and reset.

Sub keeper Khiara Keating is on, Leila Ouahabi makes way.

Keating is allowed to ease herself in a little at least as Alessia Russo drags the free-kick harmlessly wide.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Was Parris offside when she made the run? It was so tight, I was looking and I thought it was very close.

I knew Parris was going to get to the ball before Roebuck, but the keeper had already committed herself to the challenge.

There's no malice in it, but it was a definite sending off.