Match Report: London Bees 0 United Women 5
Manchester United remain top of the FA Women’s Championship table after a brace from Mollie Green plus goals from Lauren James, Millie Turner and Ella Toone ensured a third consecutive victory, on a sunny afternoon at The Hive Stadium against London Bees.
Green opened the scoring after 17 minutes, following James’ low delivery into the box. After providing for her team-mate, James got in on the act before the half-hour mark after cutting inside and coolly finishing from close range. Millie Turner ensured the points were safe just before the break, while a second-half brace from Green and a goal from Ella Toone completed a five-star performance on the road.
After beating Sheffield United 3-0 at home on Thursday night, Casey Stoney made three changes as Kirsty Smith, Lizzie Arnot and Aimee Palmer came into the starting XI to replace Martha Harris, Ella Toone and Jess Sigsworth.
The Reds, donning the pink adidas away kit, started the brighter of the two teams. Smith marauded her way into the penalty box and found Green, whose looping effort at goal unfortunately failed to find the target.
After beating Sheffield United 3-0 at home on Thursday night, Casey Stoney made three changes as Kirsty Smith, Lizzie Arnot and Aimee Palmer came into the starting XI to replace Martha Harris, Ella Toone and Jess Sigsworth.
The Reds, donning the pink adidas away kit, started the brighter of the two teams. Smith marauded her way into the penalty box and found Green, whose looping effort at goal unfortunately failed to find the target.
Seventeen minutes into the game though, United took the lead. James delivered a delightful low cross into the box from the left-hand-side and Green was on hand to poke the ball home for her second goal of the season.
James continued to torment the Bees’ defence and just before the half-hour mark, the provider for the first goal became the scorer for the Reds’ second. The 16-year-old had time to cut inside in the penalty area and fire in a shot at the near post to double United’s advantage.
Moments later, Greenwood, who had made a surging run forward, crossed the ball but Hanson's downward header struck the post and prevented her from adding to her goal tally.
James continued to torment the Bees’ defence and just before the half-hour mark, the provider for the first goal became the scorer for the Reds’ second. The 16-year-old had time to cut inside in the penalty area and fire in a shot at the near post to double United’s advantage.
Moments later, Greenwood, who had made a surging run forward, crossed the ball but Hanson's downward header struck the post and prevented her from adding to her goal tally.
The visitors had to be wary of the threat from Bees midfielder Destiney Toussaint, whose direct runs down the right wing caused moments of concern for United’s defence. However, her impact on the game was cut short as she was stretchered off just before half-time.
After the break in play, United did indeed make it 3-0 and it was a first goal for the club by Turner. A cross into the box forced a goalmouth scramble and the defender’s diving header found its way into the net, putting Stoney’s side in total control going into the interval.
Despite United having a vice-like grip on the game, the players continued to push for a fourth goal and Green was the one to score it. Ten minutes into the second half, after another fine cross from the right, the midfielder was in acres of space to put the ball through Sarah Quantrill’s legs in the Bees’ goal and score her second of the game.
After the break in play, United did indeed make it 3-0 and it was a first goal for the club by Turner. A cross into the box forced a goalmouth scramble and the defender’s diving header found its way into the net, putting Stoney’s side in total control going into the interval.
Despite United having a vice-like grip on the game, the players continued to push for a fourth goal and Green was the one to score it. Ten minutes into the second half, after another fine cross from the right, the midfielder was in acres of space to put the ball through Sarah Quantrill’s legs in the Bees’ goal and score her second of the game.
Both sides had their chances to score afterwards. Katie Zelem had to head a Bees shot off the line and she had a chance of her own in front of goal, but the shot went straight into the hands of Quantrill.
With 15 minutes to play, substitute Toone was on hand to make it 5-0 to United as the forward made the most of a poor clearance by Quantrill.
Luke Swindlehurst’s Bees did come close to a consolation goal five minutes from time, as Lauren Pickett’s shot rattled the crossbar. Paula Howells also tried her luck from distance, but the effort just went wide of the post.
With 15 minutes to play, substitute Toone was on hand to make it 5-0 to United as the forward made the most of a poor clearance by Quantrill.
Luke Swindlehurst’s Bees did come close to a consolation goal five minutes from time, as Lauren Pickett’s shot rattled the crossbar. Paula Howells also tried her luck from distance, but the effort just went wide of the post.
Altogether, it was another solid performance by the Reds, who are yet to concede a goal in the league and will be hoping to continue this mightily impressive run of form when they host Durham Women at Leigh Sports Village next Sunday.
MATCH DETAILS
United Women: Chamberlain; Smith, A. Turner (Sigsworth 45), M. Turner, Greenwood (c); Palmer, Zelem, Green (Hartley 75); Hanson, James (Toone 56), Arnot.
Substitutes not used: Harris, Devlin, Roberts, Bentley.
Scorers: Green 17, 55, James 27, Turner 44, Toone 75.
NEXT HOME MATCH
Manchester United Women’s next home match is against Durham Women’s FC in the league on Sunday 30 September, kick-off 12:00 BST. Match tickets are on sale at www.manutd.com/womenstickets and priced at £5 (£2.50 for U16s/65+).
Manchester United Women’s next home match is against Durham Women’s FC in the league on Sunday 30 September, kick-off 12:00 BST. Match tickets are on sale at www.manutd.com/womenstickets and priced at £5 (£2.50 for U16s/65+).
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