Aston Villa defeated Championship title rivals, Sheffield United, as the second round of FA Women’s Continental League Cup group games began.
Villa bounced back from their opening Group A game loss to Durham, going level on points with the Blades, who previously won at Liverpool.
Goalkeeper Emily Batty and defender Veatriki Sarri kept out successive efforts by Shania Hayles and Emily Syme respectively but moments later Villa were in front, Jade Richards’ looping header dropping into the net.
The lead was swiftly doubled as Syme raced clear and rounded Batty, before Hayles’ finish early in the second half sealed the points.
Jade Pennock pulled one back but Daniela Kosinska saved Sarri’s penalty after Richards was sent off in added time.
Attendance: 405
