\n<\/p>\n
\t\t\t12<\/i><\/p>\n
Manchester United Women\u2019s chances of European football are all but over after failing to beat Brighton & Hove Albion.<\/p>\n
The visitors had the first chance when Caitlin Haynes headed over from a corner.<\/p>\n
Jelena \u010cankovi\u0107 was next to test the United defence, but her effort just sailed over Phallon Tullis-Joyce\u2019s crossbar.<\/p>\n
United had their first chance when Melvine Malard was released down the left-hand side. The Frenchwoman ran at the Seagulls\u2019 defence, cut in, and her fierce effort was well stopped by the keeper.<\/p>\n
The Red Devils were brutally punished after 39 minutes when Tullis-Joyce\u2019s poor pass was not kept under control by Hinata Miyazawa, and \u010cankovi\u0107 received the ball, rounded the keeper, and slid the ball into the empty net to give Brighton the lead.<\/p>\n
Marc Skinner\u2019s side almost responded before half-time, but Ella Toone\u2019s hanging cross found the crossbar with Chiamaka Nnadozie all at sea in the Brighton goal. The half-time whistle blew, and United had much work to do at Leigh Sports Village.<\/p>\n
United started well, and Malard\u2019s sublime cross-field ball picked out Jess Park, who ran at the defence but dragged her left-footed effort wide.<\/p>\n
It was the Seagulls who almost doubled their lead when a teasing ball into the box was only just missed by Madison Haley.<\/p>\n
Ellen Wangerheim thought she was through on goal to score her first United goal, but she was called offside.<\/p>\n
Lea Sch\u00fcller also came on as a substitute and rescued a point for the Red Devils in the 94th minute in dramatic style.<\/p>\n
Malard\u2019s deflected cross fell kindly to the German, and she showed great instinct to half-volley the ball into the corner.<\/p>\n
The goal spared defeat but almost guaranteed no European football for next season.<\/p>\n
The women will play their final game of the season on Saturday, 16th May, away to Chelsea.<\/p>\n