Skinner provides update on injured Reds

Elisabeth Terland scored twice, while Grace Clinton and Leah Galton also found the net at Villa Park on a day when we extended our advantage over fourth-placed Manchester City to seven points.

Our neighbours were earlier beaten by table-topping Chelsea, meaning we just need three wins from our final five WSL fixtures to guarantee a top-three spot which would mean a place in next season’s Champions League.

The only sour notes for the Reds were injuries to Anna Sandberg and Celin Bizet, which Skinner confirmed needed further assessment.

Sandberg was introduced at the break for Gabby George, who was on a yellow card.

“She wasn’t injured. Gabby’s fine, she’s healthy,” confirmed Skinner, in his interview with MUTV.

“Anna was a hamstring [problem], I think. I don’t know, I’ve got to check that.”

Bizet, who set up Terland’s first goal, had to be withdrawn after 56 minutes, following a late challenge on the halfway line by Villa’s Danielle Turner.

Skinner was unhappy with the fact Turner was only shown a yellow card and remonstrated with the referee, Emily Heaslip, as our Norway international left the pitch.

“I don't know how [Bizet] is yet. She is upset," added Skinner.

“Dan Turner is not malicious at all. I was angry but not at her. It was the protection of my player but we also didn't get an advantage. It was a red-card challenge.

“I hope Bizet's okay. If she reacts like that, it's clearly not good. It was dangerous play and it should be a red card.”

Our next outing is a home clash with Everton at Leigh Sports Village next Sunday. Get your tickets for that fixture now.