Skinner: We have something special here

An injury-time goal from Lucia Garcia kept the Reds in the Women's Super League title racing going into the last game of the season, as Skinner's team earned a 2-1 victory over our local rivals.

United got off to the perfect start with a wonderful strike from Hayley Ladd just two minutes in and, despite City going down to ten in the first half, following the dismissal of Ellie Roebuck, they got back into the game in the second with a goal from Filippa Angeldahl.

In the final minutes, Garcia found the back of the net to ‘paint Manchester red’.

Despite the result, and the impact it has on our title challenge, Skinner said after the match that he thought his side could have performed better.

“We didn’t play very well in the second half,” he said to club media following the full-time whistle. “We have to be more streetwise.

“There was a frustration from us. We switched off and we were lazy in moments and we will be addressing that tomorrow.

“I was disappointed in us, I was actually quite angry. The way we performed second half was actually quite immature at times.

“We needed to calm ourselves and we didn’t do that. Manchester City were good but we allowed them to be. We didn’t press on the ball. When you are playing against ten players there is still a lot to show.”

While he was frustrated at parts of United's performance, Skinner was thrilled to get one over on our rivals in the Manchester derby.

“It’s the first time we have painted Manchester red,” he added. “For us to beat Manchester City in front of all of these fans is amazing.

“It was about building on experiences we have learnt throughout the season and from last season.

“We have something special here which is a belief we can win the game at any point. They deserve to be happy tonight.”

There was a record crowd at Leigh Sports Village for the Sunday evening game, and they were in fine voice throughout the whole game.

Skinner, who usually remains calm and focused, admitted he took a moment to take in the atmosphere during the match.

“We are playing a massive part in the growth of the women’s game,” he said. “The fans tonight were amazing. The atmosphere was amazing tonight.

“I walked out onto the pitch and for the first time I allowed myself a second on the pitch to listen and to feel the energy around the stadium. It’s the best.

“I don’t usually let my guard down in my emotions but tonight was special.”

With one game to go in the WSL, Manchester United are still fighting for the title.

The Reds travel to Liverpool on Saturday sitting just one point behind leaders Chelsea, who will take on Reading in their final match.

Speaking about the title race going down to the final game, Skinner said: “It’s a testament to this league as to how tight it is.

“For us it’s about making sure we can perform again at that level and our girls should go into the game making sure they want to break the points tally again and be hungry again.

“We have been wonderful this season, it’s all going down to the very last night and you can’t ask for better than that.

“They have slogged all season, it’s not just physical fatigue, it’s the mental fatigue. It’s time for one last push.”