Rachel Williams got here off the bench to attain a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser and earn Manchester United a degree in an exciting 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Brighton had by no means even scored a WSL purpose towards United, not to mention beat their opponents, whereas Marc Skinner’s facet had been trying to prolong an 11-game unbeaten run within the prime flight.
However the hosts had been in no temper to roll over towards their title-chasing rivals and took the lead after half-hour by way of Elisabeth Terland’s sharp end.
Brighton heading for victory till Ella Toone equalised in controversial circumstances, firing in an excellent effort from the sting of the field after Leah Galton was not punished for what a foul on Jorelyn Carabali.
A chaotic ending to the sport ensued, with the woodwork struck a number of instances earlier than Guro Bergsvand powered Brighton in entrance within the 89th minute, just for Williams to faucet in a nook on the again put up.
United’s lengthy unbeaten run within the WSL continues however Skinner was in no temper to rejoice, insisting his facet ought to have gained “by 5 – 6” somewhat than counting on a stoppage-time comeback.
How Man Utd grabbed last-gasp draw
Man Utd knew they might transfer into second, simply two factors behind leaders Chelsea, if they may earn three factors at Brighton and got here out firing, with Carabali compelled to clear a cross from below her personal crossbar throughout the first minute.
Sophie Baggaley, the previous United goalkeeper, then made a surprising cease to disclaim Melvine Malard, earlier than Bremer noticed a handball in her personal space go unpunished – all throughout the first three minutes.
Bremer was then the primary of many gamers to hit the woodwork when her cross nearly lobbed Mary Earps, with the United goalkeeper then protecting out Carabali from a nook.
However the England No 1 might do nothing to maintain out Terland’s emphatic end, with the Brighton striker scoring her fifth WSL purpose in as many video games this season.
United then contrived to overlook a number of probabilities, with Geyse hanging the put up, Galton heading broad and Baggaley tipping a cross onto her crossbar earlier than saving the rebound from shut vary.
Brighton had been finally undone by Toone’s wonderful long-range strike, though will little doubt really feel unlucky to not see Galton punished for a bodily problem within the construct up.
Either side then went in the hunt for the winner, with Earps poking a Bremer header broad earlier than pushing pictures from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Veatriki Sarri onto the crossbar within the dying minutes.
Brighton finally broke by way of due to Bergsvand’s towering header, just for Williams to attain her fourth purpose off the bench this season – greater than another participant – when she buried a nook on the far put up.
As an alternative of going second, Man Utd stay sixth however simply 4 factors off Chelsea within the congested prime half of the WSL desk, whereas Brighton lie ninth – 4 factors above the drop zone.
Skinner: We must always have gained by 5 – 6
Ella Toone celebrates scoring Man Utd’s first purpose
Skinner couldn’t conceal his frustration, telling Sky Sports activities that United – who had an anticipated targets whole of two.51 – ought to have gained “by 5 – 6” targets.
“Not glad with a degree,” mentioned Skinner. “We have to take three factors. If you happen to create that quantity of probabilities, you have to take them.
“It is nice to come back again however we should not put ourselves able the place we’re coming again.
“I wish to credit score Brighton – we have allowed them however their finishes are good.
“However from our perspective, we now have to be higher than that. We have now to punish groups. We created sufficient tonight to win the sport by 5 – 6.”
Phillips: We want readability over added time
Guro Bergsvand celebrates scoring for Brighton
Brighton boss Melissa Phillips was disillusioned with the choice to not penalise Galton moments earlier than Toone’s foul and likewise questioned why 10 minutes of added time had been performed on the finish of the second half when solely seven had been signalled.
“I do suppose it is a foul however that is how the choice goes,” Phillips advised Sky Sports activities, including: “The purpose is class from Toone.”
Nevertheless, after seeing Williams rating within the eighth minute of stoppage time, the Brighton supervisor mentioned: “There must be readability. It went from seven minutes to 10 minutes.
“There must be readability so we will make modifications at applicable instances as managers.”
Nevertheless, Phillips reserved reward for her gamers, saying: “I’m immensely pleased with the group.
“At 1-1, we in all probability would have taken it. It’s a bit of bit disappointing to concede late after we’ve gone forward. We have now to be a bit of bit higher defending set-pieces however, when it comes to progress of performances, there’s rather a lot to construct on.
“We needed to climate the storm within the first half however modified our form within the second half and it negated lots of their alternatives. The adaptability of the group, we will take rather a lot from that.
“We all know we now have to see out video games and we take an vital lesson. However finally it’s a extremely Positive workforce efficiency.”
What’s next?
Brighton are subsequent in motion towards Manchester Metropolis within the WSL on Sunday – kick-off 1pm. The Seagulls then host Arsenal on Sunday November 19, stay on Sky Sports activities – kick-off 2pm.
Sunday nineteenth November 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
Man Utd’s subsequent recreation is within the League Cup at residence to Everton on Thursday – kick-off 7pm. Marc Skinner’s facet then welcome West Ham to Leigh Sports activities Village within the WSL on Sunday – kick-off 12pm.