Manchester City and United shared the derby day spoils as Laura Coombs rescued a point for the hosts in an end-to-end 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
In front of a 44,000-strong record crowd, Leah Galton’s first half strike in the 27th minute gave the visitors the advantage after some clever link up play with Ella Toone.
Coombs levelled in the 59th minute but neither side could beat the spectacular goalkeeping of United’s Mary Earps and City’s Ellie Roebuck in the latter stages.
A draw leaves third-placed United five points adrift of league leaders Chelsea, who beat Reading 3-2 today, while City, in fourth, are eight points off the pace-setters as the WSL winter break commences.
After both sides found their feet on unfamiliar ground, it was City who began to apply pressure when Earps’ fist denied Alex Greenwood in the ninth minute from an in-swinging corner kick.
But Galton found space around City’s defence and played a one-two with Ella Toone before slotting past Roebuck.
In the 59th minute, Coombs found a reply and and met Kelly’s cross from the touchline as she flicked the ball past Earps.
Vital goal line saves from England’s number one and international teammate Roebuck in the latter stages of the game ensured the deadlock was not broken again.
Marc Skinner’s side had a late penalty shout waved away by Abigail Byrne and were left frustrated with the draw.
