Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League table on Sunday after a 5-1 win over Leicester and an Alessia Russo hat-trick.
The Foxes remain bottom of the league, having won just two games in 13. Meanwhile the Reds have secured 35 points from a possible 42.
The previous five meetings between the two sides saw United come away victorious three times while Leicester secured just one win.
Starting XIs
Manchester United
Earps; Battle, Blundell, Toone (Boe Risa ’71), Thomas (Parris ’67), Zelem (c), Galton (Garcia ’80), Ladd (Cascarino ’71), Le Tissier, Turner, Russo (Williams ’79)
Leicester
Leitzig; Nevin, Tierney (Pike ’77), Whelan (c), Green (Robinson ’77), Howard, Siemsen (Goodwin ’55), Cain (Baker ’89), Plumptre, Mace, Reavill (Smith ’46)
United vs Leicester — How it went
Following a strong opening 15 minutes, it was the hosts who found the opening goal.
Russo’s first of the afternoon was a close-range effort and Janina Leitzig was unable to keep it out. The 24-year-old found the back of the net again in the 24th minute.
Ona Batlle’s cross allowed the forward to nod the ball home from just beyond the back post.
Despite the scoreline pointing to a relatively one-sided affair, it was clear the Foxes were increasingly growing into the game as half time approached.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half saw the visitors come out with a bang. Just four minutes in and Remy Siemsen had converted Josie Green’s assist for her first Leicester goal.
Russo completed her hat-trick in the 53rd minute to spoil any hope of a Leicester comeback. From there, the visitors’ afternoon only got worse.
A tap in from a corner saw Leah Galton put her team three goals clear in the 64th minute. And just four minutes after coming on, Lucia Garcia bagged her third league goal of the season.
Despite several strong spells of play, Leicester were unable to add to their point tally with the tie finishing 5-1 to United.
Embed from Getty ImagesUp next
Manchester United will next travel to play Chelsea on the 12th March. They will face Lewes away in the quarter-final of the FA Cup just one week later.
Leicester will welcome Everton to the King Power next Sunday before travelling to face Tottenham just three days later.
