MAN UNITED WOMEN 2, WEST HAM WOMEN 0
Manchester United pursuit of a first-ever Champions League appearance continued with victory against West Ham on a historic day when the women made their first-ever appearance at Old Trafford.
Goals from Lauren James and Christen Press strengthened the Reds’ hold on the third European place – they are sixth points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal.
They have, however, played two more matches than the Gunners who also have a superior goal difference.
United can ill afford any slips and they breezed past the Hammers after a commanding second-half showing.
It was a contrast to the opening period when United manager Casey Stoney must have feared that her pre-match comments may have come true.
Embed from Getty ImagesStoney had remarked it was important to play the match and not the occasion
There was one change for United from the defeat at Arsenal, which effectively ended hopes of a top-two spot as full-back Martha Harris dropped to the bench and Maria Thorisdottir came into the side.
Oldham-born Katie Zelem captained United for this historic match.
The Reds went into the game nine points behind leaders Chelsea and seven adrift of Manchester City.
Six games without a win has dragged West Ham into a relegation battle.
The Hammers are bottom after fellow strugglers Bristol City picked up a point away to Tottenham on Sunday.
Last time out they were denied a first win since December when Birmingham’s Ruby Mace popped up with a 94th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw and manager Oli Harder fielded an unchanged side.
United struggled against the Hammers’ well organised five player back line and a midfield four sitting in front of them.
There were a handful of half chances but nothing of significance until the 36th minute when James contrived to head over from three yards from Lucy Staniforth’s corner.
The Hammers, reliant on counter attacks, had a great chance when Scot Martha Thomas broke from midfield but fired narrowly wide and then shortly before half time French player Kenza Dali forced diving save from Mary Earps.
After an uninspiring opening period, United made the all-important breakthrough in the 49th minute.
There was head tennis from Zelem’s corner which ended with Maria Thorisdottir heading the ball back across goal for James to nod in from a couple of yards for her second goal of the season.
And United were firmly in control when they doubled their lead six minutes later.
Jackie Groenen made a great run before playing a slide-rule pass for Press to run on to and rifle home an unstoppable shot for her third goal of the season.
American Press almost added a third goal not long after but goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made an athletic tip over.
The Hammers almost halved the deficit when Icelander Dagny Brynjarsdottir burst clear only for her effort to be kept out by the legs of Earps.
And Brynjarsdottir was denied by Earps again as her header from a corner was scrambled to safety by Earps.
James had as great chance to add a third goal when she bent a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
The Hammers’ hopes of getting a toehold back into the match disappeared in the 77th minute when they were reduced to 10 players after Laura Vetterlein picked up a second booking.
United came close to extending their lead in the fifth of eight added minutes when substitute Kirsty Hanson blazed wide when well placed.