Manchester United 2-1 Everton Women: Late drama ends cruelly for Blues

Progress with Unity Stadium witnessed heartbreak for Everton Women as a stoppage-time header from Melvine Malard snatched a 2-1 victory for Manchester United and halted the Blues’ WSL winning streak at the death.

Marc Skinner’s side looked on course for a routine win after Elisabeth Terland’s 38th-minute opener, created when Ruby Mace blocked the Norwegian’s first attempt only for Terland to bury the rebound from close range. United controlled long stretches, spurning earlier chances when Julia Zigiotti dragged wide and Terland missed a placed effort.

Everton, managed by Scott Phelan and showing one change as academy graduate Issy Hobson replaced the ineligible Hannah Blundell, emerged with renewed intent after the interval. Phelan’s double switch on the hour—Melissa Lawley and Inma Gabarro for Yuka Momiki and Toni Payne—injected urgency, and Zara Kramžar nearly equalised but headed Maz Pacheco’s cross over.

The reshuffle paid dividends in the 90th minute when Gabarro met Lawley’s delivery to head past Phallon Tullis-Joyce, sparking jubilation among the travelling support. Yet the elation was fleeting; from the final corner of the match Malard climbed highest to power home, lifting United above Chelsea into second and leaving Everton to digest a first league defeat under Phelan.

“It’s a mixture of emotions,” Phelan admitted. “To lose on a set piece with the last head of the game hurts, but the bravery we showed in the second half gives us something to build on.”

Attention now turns to a potential salve: the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park on Saturday 28 March (12 pm GMT).