In their Women's Super League opener at Villa Park, Rachel Daly scored twice on her debut as the Villans beat Manchester City seven goals to four.
The result marks Villa's first ever win over the Blues, who until Sunday had won all four of their previous meetings.
After arriving from Houston Dash over the summer, she was deployed as a left-back in England's Euro 2022, but showed herVersatility with an excellent forward display.
The opening goal was set up by her tackle on Laia Aleixandri, which allowed the Swiss forward to drive into the City area and score.
After City failed to clear from a corner, the hosts were able to double their lead when Daly curled a right-footer into the top corner.
It was a difficult opening period for the side, who had to adjust to the loss of Keira Walsh in a world-record deal, as well as the return of captain Steph Houghton from an injury.
A Laura Coombs shot was tipped over her own line by Hannah Hampton, which led to a City fightback.
Less than 90 seconds after Shaw's goal, Coombs drove in Kelly's cross to give the visitors the lead.
After a goalless first half, France's Kenza Dali put Ward's side in front with a shot from 20 yards, before a second goal from the same player, this time from the edge of the area, gave the visitors a deserved victory.
There's more to come.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
