Man Utd Beat LCFC Women On Filbert Way
In front of the Foxes' highest home attendance this season, of 4,007, Nikita Parris' first-half strike proved decisive on Filbert Way, as the Red Devils maintained their 100 per cent record in the Barclays Women's Super League.
Lydia Bedford made three changes from the defeat to Manchester City a week ago, with Shannon O'Brien missing out through injury and Natasha Flint taking her place.
Carrie Jones, meanwhile, was ineligible to play against her parent club, so Missy Goodwin started up front alongside Flint. Molly Pike came back into the starting XI too, replacing CJ Bott.
Jemma Purfield planted the first shot on target straight into the arms of Mary Earps after Flint spread the ball out to the wing-back. At the other end, Katie Zelem's free-kick was met by Lucía García and her header was comfortable for Kirstie Levell to claim.
Levell soon had more work to do, denying Hannah Blundell after the United full-back exchanged a quick a one-two with Ella Toone. The visitors' pressure continued from Leah Galton's cross from the left, which Parris headed wide.
A set piece would be Leicester's undoing, just over 10 minutes ahead of the interval. Zelem had gone for goal from a free-kick from the edge of the box minutes before the goal, placing it over the top of the crossbar, before she opted to curl her next one into Parris' path and the Lionesses' winger made no mistake in heading home.
City looked to respond before the break, with Goodwin trying her luck from range but finding Earps in the way. The England shot-stopper was involved again early in the second half, when Josie Green's half-volley looked to be heading for the bottom corner until Earps pushed it away with a diving save.
Captain Aileen Whelan then headed on target from Erin Simon's corner, but it was once again claimed by the visiting 'keeper, as was Flint's header from Simon's whipped cross.
Levell was soon equal to substitute Rachel Williams' low strike as United made a rare second-half foray forward, largely opting to sit and hold the lead they gained in the opening 45. They might have added a second had Ashleigh Plumptre not blocked Toone's attempt, as the United attacker capitalised on a defence error.
There was time for a late opportunity for the Foxes, as Pike flicked the ball on to substitute Ava Baker, who delivered a cross that Whelan managed to collect ahead of Earps, but could not apply the finish, leaving Leicester beaten.
Major moment…
A game of few chances was decided by one moment of quality from a free-kick, which was finished off by England international Nikita Parris. City tried to fashion a second-half equaliser to no avail.
Who impressed?
The Foxes back five largely kept a free-scoring Man Utd side at bay and produced a solid performance, although it was not enough to claim any points.
Where do we stand?
Leicester remain 12th in the WSL standings, yet to pick up a point after five matches in 2022/23.
Coming up...
Leicester turn their attentions to the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup next Wednesday evening, meeting Liverpool at Pirelli Stadium in their first group stage game (7pm kick-off). Next up in the WSL, meanwhile, is a trip to Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium next Sunday (2pm kick-off).
The details…
City: Levell; Simon; Howard, Tierney, Plumptre, Purfield; Pike, Green (Scofield 84'), Whelan (c); Flint (Bott 84'), Goodwin (Baker 71').
Subs not used: Lambourne, Vance, McManus, E. Jones, Smith.
All times BST.