GARCIA HAS UNITED IN HUNT

CHELSEA and Manchester United’s battle for the WSL title will go to the wire after both clubs won their respective derbies.

Holders Chelsea saw off Arsenal 2-0 to close in on retaining their crown, thanks to first-half goals from Guro Reiten and Magdalena Eriksson.

Later in the day, United ensured the chase would go the distance after Lucia Garcia scored a dramatic late winner to give them a 2-1 win over Manchester City.

Marc Skinner’s side were only minutes away from having their title dreams crushed after Filippa Angeldahl’s cross flew straight over Mary Earps to put City level.

But substitute Garcia popped up in the box after good work from Vilde Boe Risa to save the day.

It was the first time United had beaten their neighbours in the WSL, with the hosts taking an early lead after a stunning strike from Hayley Ladd. They should have won more comfortably, particularly after City lost their goalkeeper.

Ellie Roebuck was sent off for a rash challenge on Nikita Parris. But Angeldahl looked to have ended the title race, only for Garcia to sensationally steal the points and send Leigh Sports Village wild.

Chelsea are still in pole position to finish as champions and know that a win away at Reading on Saturday will be enough.

However, a slip-up would open the door for United, who travel to north-west rivals Liverpool in their final game.

The Blues – managed by Emma Hayes (below) – already have the FA Cup in the trophy cabinet.

And they will still be confident of claiming the title after seeing off the Gunners at Kingsmeadow.

Arsenal missed a great chance to get back into the contest when Katie McCabe fired a penalty wide.

But Chelsea were already two goals to the good by that point, after Reiten’s fine finish and a rare strike from departing captain Eriksson.