Manchester United's women clinched their first win — and goals — in the Women's Super League, as teenager Lauren James starred in a 2-0 victory over rivals Liverpool.
Casey Stoney's side have been made to work hard for points since their promotion into the top division of women's football, but they finally found the net for the first time this season through dazzling 17-year-old talent James in the 71st minute of this contest.
United were good value for their lead, but took a while to get going at Leigh Sports Village, though they finished strongly and Katie Zelem's penalty secured the triumph.
Teenage star James almost opened the scoring in the first half when she tricked her way to the edge of the box, but struck the crossbar with a fierce left-footed shot.
Liverpool looked dangerous for large sections of the first half, but United gradually took control. Leah Galton looked their most potent outlet, taking on defenders down the left-wing, but it was James who crucially broke the deadlock on 71 minutes.
She cut inside and deftly left her markers for dead, before finishing precisely with that favoured left-foot. It was United's first goal in the WSL since they stormed to promotion in their inaugural season last term.
After back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal in their opening two games of the season, this was another tough game for Stoney's side, who haven't been dealt many favours by the fixture list this term.
But in James they look to have one of the division's most promising young stars.
The performance was also anchored by captain Zelem in midfield. She was a shining light to her teammates throughout and her battling qualities typified a United display that wasn't perfect — on a wet afternoon in Leigh — but was easily deserving of the three points.
United should have doubled their lead earlier through Galton, who missed a clutch of chances and, along with Ella Toone, saw an effort rebound off the crossbar. But Galton won a stoppage time penalty for Zelem to coolly convert and make it 2-0.
The win will give United confidence that they can compete with most sides in the WSL, with their next three games against Tottenham, Man City (in the FA WSL Cup) and Reading.
