Molly Bartrip’s unfortunate own goal helped Manchester United to record a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.
Leah Galton fired Manchester United into the lead before Beth England quickly levelled matters for the hosts. Spurs were back in it for a matter of seconds before Bartrip put through her own net. Ella Toone was sent-off for violent conduct late on but Spurs were unable to capitalise on their one-player advantage.
Manchester United took the game to the hosts from the first whistle but good quality goalscoring opportunities were in short supply in the early exchanges.
In the 16th minute, Galton beat Shelina Zadorsky to the ball and took aim at goal but she was unable to direct her shot on target. The same player then thought that she had headed her side ahead moments later only to see her effort ruled out for offside.
Manchester United were almost made to rue that miss when Ashleigh Neville played a nice pass to England at the other end, but like Galton had done earlier, she blazed her shot over the bar.
It was the visitors who again showed plenty of intent early in the second half and they were unlucky not to take the lead. Katie Zelem curled a free-kick narrowly wide before Alessia Russo went close with a shot on the turn. Toone then went closer still as she drilled an effort across goal and against the far post.
Manchester United finally broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when an Ona Batlle cross from the right eventually fell at the feet of Galton and the winger was able to turn and drill her shot into the roof of the Spurs net.
The North Londoners were not behind for long. When the referee allowed the quick-taking of a free-kick, England raced towards goal before cutting in and expertly finding the far corner of the net.
That goal sparked plenty of noise from the home crowd but the celebrations didn’t last long. A dangerous low cross from the right was delivered into the Spurs box and the ball was sliced into her own net by the unfortunate Bartrip.
There was still more drama to come. Toone put in a late challenge on Eveliina Summanen then retaliated. The referee determined that Toone had committed violent conduct and the red card was produced.
Spurs piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes with England heading an effort narrowly wide, but they couldn’t find the equalising goal as they slipped to a seventh consecutive league defeat.
Manchester United end the weekend top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table while Spurs continue to struggle in the bottom half.