Brighton 2-2 Man Utd: Rachel Williams scores 98th-minute equaliser to claim point in WSL clash
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Rachel Williams came off the bench to score a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser and earn Manchester United a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Brighton had never even scored a WSL goal against United, let alone beat their opponents, while Marc Skinner’s side were looking to extend an 11-game unbeaten run in the top flight.
But the hosts were in no mood to roll over against their title-chasing rivals and took the lead after 30 minutes through Elisabeth Terland’s sharp finish.
Brighton looked to be heading for victory until Ella Toone equalised in controversial circumstances, firing in a brilliant effort from the edge of the box after Leah Galton was not punished for what looked to be a foul on Jorelyn Carabali.
A chaotic ending to the game ensued, with the woodwork struck multiple times before Guro Bergsvand powered Brighton in front in the 89th minute.
But with the Seagulls just moments away from a famous win, Williams stole in at the back post to tap in a corner and preserve United’s long unbeaten run.
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Elisabeth Terland takes a touch to set herself before rifling past Mary Earps
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Leah Galton pulls the ball back to the edge of the box, where Ella Toone sets herself before whipping a shot into the top corner
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After the Manchester United goalkeeper tipped Sarri’s shot onto the bar, Bergsvand powers a header into the net from the resulting corner
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Rachel Williams scores off the bench for the fourth time this season to give Manchester United a late leveller
How Man Utd grabbed last-gasp draw
Man Utd knew they would move into second, just two points behind leaders Chelsea, if they could earn three points at Brighton and came out firing, with Carabali forced to clear a cross from under her own crossbar within the first minute.
Sophie Baggaley, the former United goalkeeper, then made a stunning stop to deny Melvine Malard, before Bremer saw a handball in her own area go unpunished – all within the first three minutes.
Bremer was then the first of many players to hit the woodwork when her cross almost lobbed Mary Earps, with the United goalkeeper then keeping out Carabali from a corner.
But the England No 1 could do nothing to keep out Terland’s emphatic finish, with the Brighton striker scoring her fifth WSL goal in as many games this season.
Elisabeth Terland celebrates with Brighton team-mates after scoring
United then contrived to miss a host of chances, with Geyse striking the post, Galton heading wide and Baggaley tipping a cross onto her crossbar before saving the rebound from close range.
Brighton were eventually undone by Toone’s excellent long-range strike, although will no doubt feel unfortunate not to see Galton punished for a physical challenge in the build up.
Ella Toone celebrates scoring Man Utd’s first goal
Both sides then went in search of the winner, with Earps poking a Bremer header wide before pushing shots from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Veatriki Sarri onto the crossbar in the dying minutes.
Brighton eventually broke through thanks to Bergsvand’s towering header, only for Williams to score her fourth goal off the bench this season – more than any other player – when she buried a corner at the far post.
Guro Bergsvand celebrates scoring for Brighton
Instead of going second, Man Utd remain sixth but just four points off Chelsea in the congested top half of the WSL table, while Brighton lie ninth – four points above the drop zone.
What’s next?
Brighton are next in action against Manchester City in the WSL on Sunday – kick-off 1pm. The Seagulls then host Arsenal on Sunday November 19, live on Sky Sports – kick-off 2pm.
Sunday 19th November 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
Man Utd’s next game is in the League Cup at home to Everton on Thursday – kick-off 7pm. Marc Skinner’s side then welcome West Ham to Leigh Sports Village in the WSL on Sunday – kick-off 12pm.
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