Manchester United narrowly missed out on the Women's Super League title despite recording a final day victory over Liverpool at Prenton Park.
The Reds travelled to Merseyside off the back of last weekend's late Manchester derby win, knowing beating their famous rivals would only be enough to keep their title hopes alive should league leaders Chelsea slip up against bottom-of-the table Reading. Marc Skinner made just one change to the side that started against Manchester City, with Vilde Boe Risa coming in for Hayley Ladd.
The first real chance of the game fell to the hosts; the pacy Shanice van de Sanden rifling a dangerous ball across the face of goal that just evaded Taylor Hinds at the back post. United responded well, patiently working their way through the gears, with Nikita Parris forcing Rachael Laws into her first save of the day with a tame header from inside the six-yard box.
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Parris came close again after bringing down Katie Zelem's sublime lofted pass but her well-struck half volley was tipped onto the post by Laws to keep the scores level heading into the break. The United duo almost carved out an opener shortly after the interval, with Zelem nearly rolling the ball into the path of Parris inside the penalty area.
Liverpool did well to frustrate their visitors, though, and Emma Kovisto forced Mary Earps into a fine save with a smart strike just after the hour mark. But Matt Beard's side were soon made to pay for the spurned opportunity, with substitute Lucia Garcia's excellent left-footed effort putting United 1-0 up inside 72 minutes.
Martha Thomas came close to doubling the visitors' advantage late on, but Chelsea's 3-0 victory at the Select Car Leasing Stadium means the Reds miss out on the title by just two points.
Here's how the players got on at Prenton Park...
Mary Earps - 7
A spectator for much of the first half but saved well from Emma Koivisto after the break.
Ona Battle - 6
Tested Rachael Laws with a floated cross/shot before the interval. Unable to really showcase her attacking talents, though looked solid defensively.
Leah Galton - 6
Unable to really work her usual magic in the first half and, despite her best efforts, couldn't really influence the game in the first half. Subbed.
Katie Zelem - 7
Nearly set up Parris with a gorgeous ball over the top in the first half and again after the break.
Nikita Parris - 8
Looked to be enjoying herself on the right flank early on and had United's first chance with a header straight at Rachael Laws. Had an excellent half-volley tipped onto the post before half time. United's best attacking outlet. Subbed.
Maya Le Tissier - 7
Attended well to the pacy Shanice van de Sanden early on and made an excellent block to deny Stengel. Got the assist for Garcia's opener.
Vilde Boe Risa - 6
Had a couple of speculative efforts from distance in the first half but unable to really influence proceedings.
Hannah Blundell - 7
Did a lot of the defensive dirty work and looked to drive United forwards. A solid display.
Alessia Russo - 6
Gorgeous little flick to set Toone away early on and saw a couple of efforts blocked inside the box. Not her most impactful display.
Ella Toone - 6
Shown an early yellow card for thwarting a promising Liverpool counter attack. Nearly teed up Parris with a lovely ball into the box in the first half. Subbed.
Millie Turner - 7
Did well to muscle Katie Stengel off the ball when she was through on goal. Didn't really put a foot wrong.
Substitutes:
Lucia Garcia - 8
A lovely finish to make it 1-0 minutes after her introduction.
Rachel Williams - 6
Headed wide with a close-range effort.
Martha Thomas - 6
Blazed an effort over the bar after a good run towards the back post.
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