Parris 'happy' to score first United goal

Marc Skinner's side took the lead in the first half, thanks to Parris's fantastic strike, before Rachel Daly brought the game back level for Villa in the second period. The Reds were defeated 4-3 on penalties, as the hosts took home an extra point in Group A.

Following the match, the new United signing spoke to club media, expressing her belief that, despite a strong first-half performance, the Reds allowed the hosts to gain a foothold after the break.

"We started off well.'' she said. "It's difficult to come into a game and you've changed nine out of your starting XI and we have to gel as a team. And also, people are having debuts. So [there were] many new players in the team. We had to connect before the first 45 minutes.

"We worked hard for each other and we really pushed on and got that first goal. Second half, we started slower. When you come against an Aston Villa that's going to press you and make the game difficult, both attacking and defensive, [it's difficult]. They're going to try to bully you on the ball.

"We let them get into the game and get momentum and that's how they got their goal."

Parris's opener was her first goal since the forward's arrival at the club in the summer. While disappointed with the result, Parris was pleased to get off the mark for the Reds.

"I received the ball from the left-hand side and I was driving with the ball," she explained. "And it just opened up for the shot and I hit it. I hit it as clean as I could and it went in.

"I'm happy to get my first United goal and [there are] many more to come."

She added praise for United's travelling support.

"The fans are amazing," she said. "United fans, no matter how many there are of them, you can always hear them in a stadium full of opposition supporters.

"It could be 200 to 500 United supporters but you'll always hear them, and we are proud to have them. They backed us all the way, they'll be with us all season and we hope to put many more smiles on their faces."