Manchester United maintained their unbeaten start to the Women’ Super League season by beating Brighton to move within two points of leaders Chelsea.
Elisabeth Terland scored against her former side to break the deadlock in the dying seconds of the first half before Jess Park, returning to the line-up after suffering a delayed concussion, doubled the lead in the 58th minute.
Fran Kirby halved Brighton’s deficit 10 minutes later, but substitute Lisa Naalsund claimed a third goal for United, before Kiko Seike’s injury-time consolation.
A fifth win in seven games ensured third-placed United remained among the title contenders.
Fans at the Broadfield Stadium witnessed an even start to the contest as early chances fell for Kirby and United’s Julia Zigiotti Olme, but both had their shots blocked in front of goal.
The visitors soon gained control but were left frustrated for much of the first half after failing to convert their chances.
Park, who missed England’s friendlies against Brazil and Australia as a precaution following a head injury, spurned a gilt-edged chance after a quick counter, while WSL top scorer Melvine Malard and Ella Toone also passed up opportunities.
But United finally found a way through on the stroke of half-time when Toone’s pass into the box was inadvertently diverted into the path of Terland by Brighton defender Moeka Minami and the unmarked Norway striker slotted past Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Marc Skinner’s side increased their advantage after the break as Park exchanged passes with Toone in the box and fired home her fourth goal since arriving from Manchester City.
Brighton threatened a comeback as Seike hit the woodwork, before Kirby was played through by Marisa Olislagers and calmly slotted past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
United managed to negotiate the tense ending, with Naalsund making it 3-1 in the final minute when Park teed her up to drive home a low strike.
Seike’s classy dinked finish in added time proved not enough to affect the outcome.
