Man United Women snatch late draw against Brighton as Champions League hopes fade

Manchester United Women snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Progress With Unity Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

United are now unlikely to secure Champions League qualification as they trail third-placed Arsenal, who have three games in hand, by one point.

Brighton created the game’s first genuine chance in the 18th minute. Madison Haley outsmuscled Julia Zigiotti Olme, before teeing up Jelena Cankovic, who fired over the bar.

United responded after the half-hour mark as Ella Toone played the ball through to Fridolina Rolfo, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie quickly came off her line to avert the danger.

Moments later, the Nigerian shot-stopper was called into action, tipping Melvine Malard’s shot around the post.

Brighton broke the deadlock in the 39th minute as Jelena Cankovic intercepted goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s pass. She then rounded the American and put the ball into an empty net.

Toone almost drew United level before the break, though with a miscued effort which struck the bar.

The Red Devils started the second half the brighter of the two sides. After Jayde Rivier’s cross agonisingly evaded everyone in Red, Jess Park dragged her effort wide.

Hinata Miyazawa let another United chance go begging before the hour mark, failing to hit the target following a short corner.

Brighton’s first real opportunity after the break came in the 67th minute, as Madison Haley stretched to meet a cross at close range, but could not convert.

Just when it looked as if United were heading for another defeat, Lea Schuller thumped the ball home late in stoppage time to secure a point.

Article written by Henry Thornton .