Manchester City 1-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa Women picked up a well-earned point against Manchester City on Saturday.

Kirsty Hanson cancelled out Deyna Castellanos’ opener at the Academy Stadium to propel Villa to fifth in the Barclays WSL.

Carla Ward named an unchanged XI from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur last week, but welcomed Rachel Corsie and Ruesha Littlejohn back into the squad.

Corsie missed the win over Spurs, while Littlejohn hasn’t featured since November.

Kirsty Hanson, on-loan from City’s rivals United, looked lively in the opening exchanges.

The winger muscled Leila Ouahabi off the ball before driving down the right-hand side before seeing her cross deflected into the hands of the City ‘keeper.

Villa’s defence, meanwhile, had to be on high alert to the danger posed by Bunny Shaw.

Villa maintained possession well during the first half and were almost rewarded for their patience on 26 minutes.

Hanson, this time from the left, drove into the box before pulling the ball back across the area.

Laura Blindkilde Brown picked the ball up at the back-post, but her goal-bound effort was deflected clear.

Despite their good play, Villa fell behind seconds later.

Castellanos found herself through on goal with only Anna Leat to beat, and the Spaniard slid the ball home to give City the lead.

Villa waste no time in responding, however.

Hanson needed a couple of bites at the cherry from close range, but found the back of the net to give Carla Ward’s side a deserved leveller.

Villa were full of confidence heading into the second half and were inches away from taking the lead when Hanson struck the base of the post.

Further chances were created, notably for Alisha Lehmann, but they weren’t capitalised on as the game seemed destined for a draw.

Anna Leat stood strong to deny Shaw from prodding in a late winner for the hosts, and Villa held on for a deserved point.