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Zigiotti Olme strike helps Man Utd to win at Villa
Flora Snelson

BBC Sport journalist

Julia Zigiotti Olme stepped off the bench to seal a 1-0 Women's Super League win for Manchester United against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

United limited Villa to just two touches in their box in the first half, but could not turn their dominance into a lead.

The hosts came to life after half-time before Swedish substitute Zigiotti Olme scored an unmarked header to decide the game in the 72nd minute.

The win extends United's unbeaten WSL run to seven games, while Brian Sorensen lost his first league game since his appointment as Villa coach in September.

United failed to take advantage of a one-sided first half in which they forced Villa keeper Akane Okuma to make five saves.

She was beaten for United's best chance as Hinata Miyazawa's speculative effort from 20 yards struck the crossbar.

Meanwhile, Sorensen waited until the 45th minute to see his side have their first attempt at goal, as Lucia Kendall's strike was easily held by Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

The American goalkeeper kept an invigorated Villa side at bay after the break, making impressive saves to keep out Amalie Vangsgaard and Oriane Jean-Francois.

Having scored a combined five of United's nine league goals this season, Zigiotti Olme and Andrea Medina were swapped out of the starting line-up at Villa, as Eva Olid cited rotation and Medina's illness.

Both came off the bench and were involved in United's winner. Marauding forward with the ball at her feet, Medina occupied two Villa players before slipping the ball to Hanna Lundkvist.

With a deep cross, the Swede found compatriot Zigiotti Olme who nodded the ball unchallenged into the Villa net.

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