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      Frank Lampard tipped to become new Chelsea women’s manager just eight months after leaving Stamford Bridge

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been tipped to become the next Chelsea women’s manager.Legendary boss Emma Hayes will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to take over as USA women’s head coach.
      Frank Lampard has been tipped to return to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Lampard has been tipped to replace Chelsea women’s boss Emma HayesCredit: Rex
      Chelsea are rigorously looking for a new women’s managerCredit: Rex
      Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidateCredit: Getty
      That will cap off a glittering 12-year stint for Hayes who won a staggering six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series and the Community Shield.
      The Blues are now rigorously searching for the 47-year-old’s replacement, who will surely have some massive boots to fill.
      However, former England international Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidate.
      That is because the men’s team’s record goalscorer knows the club inside out and his character would lead to a smooth transition to a new and prosperous era.
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      Christiansen told Live Score: “I do have a name in mind but I’ve never heard anyone throw it out there… Frank Lampard.
      “He’s somebody who knows the club inside out. From my experiences at Everton, listening to him speak, he’s the right type of character.
      “His level of communication and knowledge of the game could be really effective and I think you’ve got someone well accustomed with what it means to be Chelsea.
      “I don’t have any knowledge on whether he’d want it or not but it makes sense to me.
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      “To be honest, I sit in a party where it doesn’t have to be a female, doesn’t have to be a male — it just needs to be the right person for the job.
      “There’s no gain in Chelsea going, ‘Right, let’s pigeonhole this, it has to be a female’.
      Frank Lampard reveals who is blocking Mason Mount from thriving at Man Utd and slams club for lack of plan
      “If they want to continue or attempt to continue the dominance they’ve had domestically, it has to be the correct appointment.”
      That would mark Lampard’s third return to Stamford Bridge after his stunning 13-year playing career came to an end in 2014.
      The legendary midfielder first came back as manager in 2019 and enjoyed a successful debut season as the Blues finished fourth despite a transfer embargo.
      However, the 45-year-old tactician’s second season was marred by poor results and he was swiftly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League.
      Lampard returned as caretaker boss in April for an abysmal second stint that saw him losing eight out of 11 matches, of which he won only one before his departure in June. More

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      Emma Hayes left shocked by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips and shares thoughts on Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool

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      EMMA HAYES was stunned by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips after less than ten months managing their women’s side. The Chelsea chief also empathised with Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for standing down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term. 
      Emma Hayes reckons Brighton’s decision to end Melissa Phillips’ reign as head coach was a “little bit quick”Credit: Getty
      The USA-born coach was relieved of her duties just two days before the Seagulls’ league duel with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 47, was speaking to reporters on Friday less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced the departure of Phillips. 
      The American head coach’s exit came five days on from Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat of Albion.
      It follows a run of seven losses in 12 WSL games this term with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom. 
      Brighton say their decision was “vital for the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL with the club harbouring top three ambitions. 
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      Hayes, whose team host Everton next, said: “The manager has only been in place since last April, she’s just brought players in the window this January. 
      “I thought they were a very organised team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players in there that take a while (to develop). 
      “Getting into the top three is tough for anyone.
      “We’ve since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United and they’ve developed a much more experienced squad than Brighton. 
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      “I was shocked by that decision to be honest. 
      “Yes the game is going that way but no one is being paid a million pounds here (in women’s football) to make that decision. It seemed a little bit quick.”
      Hayes’ side are currently top after 10 wins from 12 league duels so far this term. 
      And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US Women’s team. 
      Hayes’ departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues’ hot seat will coincide with Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool later this year . 
      The German, 56, leaves at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophy wins including Champions League and Prem titles. 
      And “running out of energy” was among the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves. 
      Of his motivations to stand down from his role, Hayes said: “I related to everything he said, and I don’t think maybe enough attention and time is put on the mental health and wellbeing of staff in football. 
      “Everybody expects the most from us (manager). 
      “Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the volume of hours you have to commit to this job is unsustainable.”
      Hayes admits she can relate to the reasons by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool after nine years in chargeCredit: Alamy
      On Klopp’s candid explanation, Hayes added: “He articulated it better than me. 
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      “He articulated it really, really well. I don’t have his luxury though, that’s the difference
      “Nonetheless, I also get to go to an Olympics and a World Cup (with the USA) so I just have to maybe reflect on that or keep myself as fresh as possible.” More

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      Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi seals short-term Arsenal move

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      ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.

      Sarah Bouhaddi’s Arsenal move follows the club signing United States defender Emily Fox earlier this month
      Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
      The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
      The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
      Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
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      “Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
      “I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
      “I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
      Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
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      The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
      Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
      She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
      Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
      Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
      “We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
      Bouhaddi won eight Champions League trophies with Lyon

      Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
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      Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
      Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty. More

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      Manchester United knocked out of Conti Cup after Aston Villa are penalised for fielding an ‘ineligible player’

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      ASTON VILLA have kept their place in the Conti Cup’s quarter-finals despite fielding an ineligible player following an independent tribunal decision.The outcome has led to Manchester United being eliminated from the contest with the club describing decision as “disappointing”.
      Aston Villa have had the three points from their Conti Cup group stage defeat of Sunderland deductedCredit: Reuters
      The points deduction follows Villa fielding Noelle Maritz in the game despite the defender being ineligible to playCredit: PA
      Last Wednesday Villa emerged victorious from their final group stage fixture beating Sunderland 7-0 to finish top of group A.
      However, the WSL side brought on Noelle Maritz as a second-half substitute when they were leading 3-0.
      This was despite the defender, who sealed a January move from Arsenal, being cup-tied having played for the Gunners in the competition earlier this term.
      Maritz featured in three Conti Cup matches for the North London club prior to sealing a temporary switch to Villa during the winter transfer window.
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      Her appearance during Villa’s win last Wednesday breached Conti Cup rules prompting an FA investigation with the matter later referred to an independent tribunal.
      This afternoon the Football Association released a written statement on the outcome.
      It read: “An independent tribunal have deducted three points from Aston Villa for fielding an ineligible player during their League Cup group stage fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
      “The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this game, as she had previously featured in the competition for her former club, which constitutes a breach of Cup Rule 8.19.
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      “Aston Villa admitted this charge and acknowledged the breach had occurred.
      “The independent tribunal ordered that the points deducted from Aston Villa be awarded to their opponents Sunderland, while the 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record.
      “As a result, Sunderland will finish as Group A winners, with Aston Villa progressing to the quarter-finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.”
      The tribunal’s decision followed the Midlands side admitting the charge of fielding an ineligible player and acknowledging a breach had occurred.
      Before this Sunderland had finished second in Group A.
      But the team are now top with Villa reaching the Conti Cup quarters as one of best runners-up with a better goal difference than Man United’s.
      After their 2-0 group B loss to Man City last Wednesday the Red Devils had a goal difference of nine.
      Man United fell to a 2-0 loss to Man City in their final Conti Cup stage gameCredit: Getty
      This afternoon Man United questioned the rationale of the tribunal’s decision.
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      In a club statement they said: “We are very disappointed with this outcome, and do not understand its rationale.
      “We feel that it undermines the integrity of the competition, and of the women’s game.” More

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      Gareth Taylor hails Manchester City aces’ goal celebration for injured team-mate Jill Roord during win at Tottenham

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      GARETH TAYLOR says Manchester City players’ touching shirt-waving tribute to Jill Roord was a nice but unexpected surprise.His side’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham saw them celebrate their opener by holding the midfield ace’s jersey aloft days after her knee injury blow.
      Lauren Hemp and her Man City team-mates took a first half lead against Tottenham following an own goalCredit: Reuters
      City players celebrated their 12th-minute opener with Lauren Hemp holding Jill Roord’s shirt aloftCredit: Reuters
      Their win away at Tottenham came four days after Roord sustained an ACL injury during a clash with Man UnitedCredit: Alamy
      The Sunday afternoon away game for Taylor’s side was the first match after Roord was confirmed to have sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage.
      The injury to the player, who has been a key figure in City’s attack occurred during her team’s midweek defeat of Man United in the Conti Cup.
      Despite her season being ended prematurely Roord travelled with her team-mates to watch them in action against sixth-placed Spurs.
      Of their shirt-waving tribute, Citizens boss Taylor said: “It surprised me. I didn’t know anything about it.
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      “It says a lot about Jill that she travelled with us and wanted to come.
      “Also the fact we’ve seen such brilliant play from her this season and hit the ground running.  Alot of credit has to go to the players.
      “It was a really nice touch and really nice for Jill to be there today to experience that.”
      The clash between Tottenham and Man City saw Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw notch up her 13th goal in 11 WSL games.
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      And the clinical finish saw the Jamaica ace extend her lead at the summit of this term’s WSL top scorers chart by one goal.
      Taylor added: “Bunny is always going to get chances because this team is good at creating. She understands and realises that.
      “The thing with Bunny is that she will always score goals. We see that.
      “What impresses me the most is her energy and workrate, the way she presses without the ball.
      “She’s just such a difficult player to play against and she has done fantastically well for us. I think that was her 50th appearance and her 42nd goal. That’s phenomenal.”
      Khadija Shaw’s second-half strike gave Man City a 2-0 cushionCredit: Reuters
      Spurs’ last duel with Man City ended up with them on the wrong end of a 7-0 loss on the road to City last November.
      But the North London side were tighter defensively this time around.
      The visitors got off to a solid start dominating possession and attacking chances.
      Skipper Alex Greenwood forced a class diving save from Barbora Votikova with a seventh minute free-kick.
      And it took just five minutes more for the deadlock to be broken inadvertently through Tottenham’s Amy Turner.
      The defender turned the ball into her own net following Lauren Hemp whipping in a delivery intended for Shaw giving the visitors the lead.
      The 12th minute opener was followed by Hemp and her colleagues running to the dugout to celebrate with Roord.
      And away fans chanted “there’s only one Jill Roord” shortly after her team-mates held her number 20 shirt aloft.
      Spurs thought they’d levelled shortly before the half hour mark moments after Laura Coombs scuffed a shot at the other end.
      Martha Thomas got behind the visitors’ back line firing past keeper Khiara Kheating before sprinting off to celebrate.
      But the hosts’ joy was short-lived with the goal ruled out for offside.
      The first minute of the second half saw Filippa Angeldahl go close, firing narrowly wide for City.
      Shaw gave them a 2-0 lead after combining with Hemp and firing home her 12th league goal of the season in the 51st minute.
      The hosts attempted to nab a late consolation with Bethany England driving into the box around the 83rd minute.
      But the shot for Spurs skipper, who was presented with artwork of herself in action in honour of making 150 Tottenham appearances, was fired straight at Keating.
      While City held out to keep pace with Chelsea cutting their lead to three points, Tottenham gave a good account of themselves despite their 2-0 loss.
      Head coach Vilahamn said: “We have made progress and are better defenders.
      “But I think it also shows we are in a journey and are not there yet to compete with the best teams in this league.
      Bethany England prompted a comfortable save from Khiara Keating with her late strikeCredit: Reuters
      “Man City are absolutely brilliant in how they play and they have played for a while with this team.
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      “It was a little bit tricky because we wanted to make sure we defended well with this team and have a good plan, but that (opening) goal loses energy for us.
      “We are still in a journey to beat them, but I think next year we will be more ready.” More

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      Arsenal loanee and Charlton star Freya Godfrey carried off on stretcher after horror collision as clash suspended

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      ARSENAL loanee and Charlton star Freya Godfrey is “stable, alert and in good spirits” after being carried off on a stretcher following a horror collision on Sunday.Play was suspended for 15 minutes as the midfield ace received treatment during the Addicks’ Women’s Championship game against south London rivals Crystal Palace.
      Arsenal loanee Freya Godfrey was stretchered off in Charlton’s game with Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
      The match was nearing the end of the first half when Godfrey collided with an opponent mid-air.
      The 18-year-old required immediate medical treatment as players from both sides were taken off the field.
      And it was only after 15 minutes that Godfrey herself was stretchered away to applause from fans.
      Charlton and Palace then underwent a short warm-up before resuming the game.
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      Kayleigh Green was summoned to replace Godfrey.
      But a statement from Charlton hours later revealed the ace had not suffered a serious injury and was in good health following hospital treatment.
      A statement read: “Charlton forward Freya Godfrey is stable, alert and in good spirits after sustaining an injury in this afternoon’s Women’s Championship game against Crystal Palace.
      “The 18-year-old, on loan from Arsenal, was stretchered off in the first half of the game and taken by ambulance to hospital.
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      “Initial scans are clear and no fractures have been identified.
      “We would like to thank all the staff at the game, in the ambulance and at the hospital for the care provided to Freya.”
      Before Charlton’s update, flustered fans had flocked to X to react to the incident.
      One said: “Oh no, hope she’s OK.”
      Another declared: “Praying it’s nothing serious.”
      One noted: “Think of you Freya.”
      Another added: “Hope she is okay, this sounds horrible.”
      Godfrey joined Charlton from the Gunners last year and had so far made five appearances for her loan side.
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      She made her WSL debut for Arsenal in their 4-0 win over Brighton.
      And Godfrey is currently starring for England’s U19s following a brief stint at Ipswich Town. More

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      Independent tribunal to look into Aston Villa fielding an ‘ineligible player’ in Women’s League Cup fixture

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      THE FA have referred Aston Villa’s fielding of an ineligible player in a Conti Cup clash to an independent tribunal.The case of the WSL side’s alleged breach of contest regulations was passed to Sports Resolutions UK this evening as part of the FA investigations.
      Noelle Maritz (left) was deployed as a substitute by Aston Villa during their group stage clash with Sunderland in the Conti Cup on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      The former Arsenal defender came on in the 46th minute of the fixture replacing Rachel CorsieCredit: PA
      It follows Villa’s 7-0 hammering of Sunderland in the Continental Tyres Cup group stage on Wednesday night.
      Former Arsenal defender Noelle Maritz, who joined the club in a transfer from the Gunners this month, made an appearance as substitute in the game’s second half.
      The Switzerland international had also played for the North London side in another group stage fixture in the League Cup earlier this term.
      Maritz was included in the line-up of Jonas Eidevall’s team when they beat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties in December. 
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      Their victory followed a 3-3 draw in normal time in the group stage encounter.
      However, contest rules forbid players from competing for more than one team in the competition within the same term.
      On Thursday evening football’s governing body revealed they are investigating the matter following the alleged breach.
      A written statement on the FA’s web site read: “We can confirm that we are investigating an alleged breach of Cup Rule 8.19 by Aston Villa during their FA Continental Tyres League Cup fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday 24 January.
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      “In accordance with competition rules, this matter has been referred to Sports Resolutions UK for consideration by an independent tribunal. Further updates will be confirmed in due course.”
      Rule 8.19 states “no player may play for more than one club in the cup competition in a playing season”.
      In a similar case back in 2014 Reading were axed from the Women’s League Cup that year.
      The Royals included Bonnie Horwood in one of their games despite the midfielder making three appearances for Watford earlier in the season’s contest
      Villa’s defeat of Sunderland meant the Midlands outfit had hypothetically reached the Conti Cup’s quarter-finals after finishing top of Group A.
      Villa return to WSL action with a trip to Manchester United this SundayCredit: Getty
      However, the WSL team  will now have to wait for the outcome of the independent tribunal hearing.
      And Sunderland, must also wait to discover if they will be awarded a retrospective victory – and become one of the best finishing runners-up in the contest – following Villa’s rule breach. 
      The team, who are second in the Women’s Championship, will face Blackburn Rovers in the division on Sunday. More

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      Hayes hails Lauren James after forward shines with a Stamford Bridge hat-trick helping Chelsea thwart Manchester United

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      EMMA HAYES admits she has never seen a player do the things Lauren James does following her ruthless display against Manchester United. The fearless forward wowed with her attacking flair as Chelsea opened up a ten-point gap on their rivals with a 3-1 win on Sunday.
      Goals in both spells from Lauren James helped Chelsea dispatch Man United at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      The Blues forward is currently the second highest scorer in the league this season with ten goalsCredit: Getty
      Her second hat-trick at Stamford Bridge this season, watched by a crowd of more than 20,000, denied United hopes of a point.
      And James prompted pantomime jeers from her old club’s fans by marking her opening goal with a jubilant jog to the away end with smiles in response to the boos.
      After the game, Blues chief Hayes said: “I think she enjoyed that. I don’t mind these things in the women’s game. You give someone stick, you have to get it in return right?”
      “I’ve never seen a player like Lauren do the things she does individually.
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      “She’s so explosive, but she’s got a left and a right foot, that’s the thing.
      “Often you play against players, and you know they’ve got strong sides, but for Lauren I think she can do it on both feet. 
      “I thought it was a brilliant, brilliant performance from the whole team.”
      Of her celebration for Chelsea’s opener following the earlier away end boos, James admitted she joined silencing the jeers.
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      She told BBC Sport: “Yes for sure (it was nice to silence them).
      “But for me it’s just about focusing on what I can do and silencing anyone who is hating as well.
      “I’ve got to focus on myself and helping the team.”
      Chelsea’s victory maintained their unbeaten run against the Red Devil in the WSL.
      The leaders have now claimed seven wins in eight WSL meetings with their foes.
      And James took her league goal tally to 10 in 10 games so far this term.
      Hayes added: “I was impressed with her whole performance. I think focusing on those qualities (of her hat-trick) would sell it short.
      “She’s shown her qualities as a nine and a 10. She carried out the game plan and her role in that game plan to perfection.”
      On of her side’s overall display Hayes said: “One of the things we’ve been talking about in the background – and led by the players and driven by them – is what is a Chelsea standard?
      “I think we showed that. This was our best performance of the season (so far) It looked like the standards we’ve set, but also, it was brave.”
      Chelsea flew out of the traps taking a fifth-minute lead with James firing past Mary Earps moments after being booed by away fans while taking a corner kick.
      And she doubled their lead, pouncing on Nathalie Bjorn’s long ball to slot in her second with 22 minutes gone.
      Man United mounted a fight-back with Geyse causing problems on the counter and teeing up Hayley Ladd’s smashed finish to make it 2-1 near half-time.
      They pushed hard for a leveller with Toone seeing a scuffed effort cleared from the box.
      The visitors were angered to see spot-kick appeals denied after Leah Galton fell in the penalty area after battling for the ball with Ashley Lawrence.
      Skinner said: “I think it was a big decision in the game and I’ve spoken to the referee and was speaking about higher threshold of contact.  
      “I still believe – and it’s my personal opinion – that if a player is applying contact behind a player that’s got across them, and it spins around – and Leah has not dived, right?
      Man United felt that should have been awarded a penalty following Leah Galton’s and Ashley Lawrence’s second-half tussle in the boxCredit: Alamy
      “So there’s contact enough for me for a penalty.”
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      James’ 85th minute finish buried the chances of a draw with the loss leaving United’s title hopes looking slimmer.
      They will hope to bounce back when they host Aston Villa this Sunday following their midweek Conti Cup group stage clash with Manchester City. More