Manchester United advanced to the Women’s FA Cup final with a 2-0 win over Manchester City at Joie Stadium yesterday. On a drizzly afternoon, United’s professional players showed their class and fight. They set the tone for victory early, scoring two goals in the first 22 minutes.
Celin Bizet had given Manchester United the lead early on. What a delivery it was from Ella Toone, who played the pinpoint pass that allowed Kelly to score the opener. Just a few minutes later, Grace Clinton doubled the advantage, taking advantage of Leah Galton’s delayed feed. That immediate double hammer of goals then left Manchester City, already with a thin squad due to injuries and suspensions, under great strain.
Perhaps the harshest outcome of the loss for Manchester City was that they rolled out a severely depleted squad, with multiple key players missing. When Mary Fowler was injured in last night’s match and required on-field treatment. This incident hampered City’s attempts to get back in the driver’s seat. City looked very shaky at times, but nevertheless held firm against the onslaught from United. Kehiara Keating’s sharp saves, including a jaw dropper, denied what looked like certain goals to protect the scoreline.
With the lion’s share of possession throughout the match, Manchester United was unrelenting against City’s backline and dictating the tempo of play. United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was hugely important in keeping that clean sheet. She came up with big saves, including one on Yui Hasegawa’s critical shot and from Lily Murphy’s follow-up try.
This victory marks Manchester United’s third consecutive appearance in the Women’s FA Cup final, highlighting their consistent performance in the competition. The team’s electric start and impressive interruption of Ohio State’s momentum proved critical in the battle of these two titans during this winner-take-all clash.
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