Phillips so proud after Albion hold United

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Lots of positives for the head coach after 2-2 draw in the WSL on Sunday.

Bruce Talbot

2023-11-05T21:45:00Z

Melissa Phillips shouts instructions on the touchline during Albion's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

Head coach Melissa Phillips was very proud of her team after they drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the WSL on Sunday.

Albion were on course for only their second win over United having twice led through Elisabeth Terland’s sixth goal of the season and a 90th-minute header by skipper Guro Bergsvand. But United levelled in the eighth minute of added time through substitute Rachel Williams, Ella Toone having made it 1-1 in the 76th minute.

Phillips said, “I am very proud of everyone, it was a very good performance against a very good team. We played very well in the first half and managed to weather a bit of momentum after we scored the first goal. We changed shape in the second half (to a back four) and it helped manage the amount of time that they got in behind us in wide areas and we got a bit better pressure on the ball.

"It's disappointing to concede at the end but at the same time it's a point against a very, very good team. I think at 1-1 we would have been happy with a point but of course it feels a little bit worse when you are sitting at 2-1 and they equalise late, but everyone played their role and it's a really important point and performance.”

Substitute Vea Sarri goes past Hannah Blundell.

Both goalkeepers – England No1 Mary Earps and Albion’s Sophie Baggaley – made some fine saves and Baggaley, who was playing against her former club, was named player of the match.

"I think she [Baggaley] played excellently,” added Phillips. “She is a fantastic shot-stopper, she manages the goal really well and has a real presence and leadership about her that we are starting to see come through. It was another fantastic performance from her.

“There is a lot to take away from this performance but the margins between three and one point in this league are very tight and tonight was ultimately defined by a set piece at either end with our goal and their goal. But we will look to build from this performance going into next week.”