Manchester United extended their unbeaten start to the Women’s Super League season with a 3-2 win over Brighton, moving to within two points of leaders Chelsea.
Elisabeth Terland opened the scoring against her former club just before half-time, and Jess Park - back in the lineup after recovering from a concussion - doubled United’s lead in the second half.
Fran Kirby gave Brighton hope with a neat finish, but substitute Lisa Naalsund restored the two-goal cushion before Kiko Seike’s late strike for the hosts proved only a consolation.
The result marked United’s fifth win in seven games, keeping them firmly in the title race.
The match began evenly, with early chances for both sides as Kirby and Julia Zigiotti Olme saw efforts blocked.
United soon began to dominate possession, but missed several opportunities through Park, WSL top scorer Melvine Malard and Ella Toone.
Their breakthrough came in stoppage time of the first half when Toone’s pass was deflected by Moeka Minami into Terland’s path, allowing the Norwegian to calmly slot home.
United doubled their lead after the restart as Park linked up with Toone inside the box before finishing clinically for her fourth goal of the season.
Brighton rallied, with Seike hitting the post before Kirby latched on to a clever pass from Marisa Olislagers to make it 2-1.
However, United sealed the victory in the final minute when Park set up Naalsund for a low drive into the corner.
Seike’s delightful chipped goal in added time was too little, too late.
November could prove pivotal in United’s season, and this victory was the perfect start.
With key fixtures ahead - including Aston Villa, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Wolfsburg - momentum is crucial.
The link-up between Jess Park and Ella Toone once again stood out.
Park, who missed England duty as a precaution after a head injury, impressed on her return, building on her two-goal performance against Everton before the break.
Her combination play with Toone led to United’s second goal and created the third for Naalsund, showing their growing partnership and creativity in the final third.
Manager Marc Skinner will hope the duo continue to deliver as United aim to challenge Chelsea for the title and make progress in Europe.
Despite a third straight league defeat, Brighton showed resilience and flashes of quality against strong opposition.
The Seagulls are adapting to life without Michelle Agyemang, ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike stepped up with confident performances.
Seike, in particular, caused United problems with her pace and movement, striking the post before scoring late on.
Olislagers also impressed with her creativity and energy.
While Brighton’s effort and intent were clear, defensive lapses and missed chances proved costly once again.
With three consecutive losses leaving them seventh in the table, Dario Vidosic’s side must turn their spirited performances into points if they are to push for a top-half finish this season.
