Liverpool beat Man Utd as hosts lose ground in WSL title race

By Emma SandersBBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Manchester United lost ground in the Women's Super League title race as rivals Liverpool came away with a superb victory at Leigh Sports Village in their final match of the year.

It looked like it could be a difficult afternoon for Liverpool when United took the lead within three minutes - Ella Toone pouncing on Leah Galton's pass after the winger's shot had come back off the post.

Melvine Malard should have made it 2-0 straight afterwards when she fired into the side-netting from close range with the goal gaping.

Liverpool responded well, battling through a first half riddled with errors, and got themselves back into the game when Mel Lawley's cross was flicked in by United defender Millie Turner for an own goal.

United struggled to deal with set-pieces throughout and that eventually proved costly as Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds bundled in the winner with the inside of her knee from Missy Bo Kearns' delivery.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser late on and Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah blocked Hannah Blundell's strike, after substitute Rachel Williams' header flew over the bar.

There was lengthy stoppage time following a worrying head injury for Liverpool's Gemma Bonner, who left the pitch with blood across her face but was able to walk off with support from medical staff.

More to follow.