The ex-Brighton striker was the match-winner on Sunday as Marc Skinner's side kept the pressure up on leaders Chelsea
Manchester United remain in the hunt for a first Women's Super League title after Elisabeth Terland inspired them to a 3-1 win over bottom side Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Red Devils enjoyed a perfect start as Terland fired the hosts ahead after just nine minutes. Palace goalkeeper Milla-Maj Majasaari was guilty of a poor clearance that was pounced on by Grace Clinton and fed to Terland by Hinata Miyazawa. Terland then produced a neat turn and finish to roll the ball into the far corner.
United's No.19 ought to have had a second five minutes later, as Leah Galton’s cross in from the left was prodded goalwards by the striker and beat Majasaar, only for it to hit the far post and rebound to safety.
It looked like being a costly miss too, as Palace stunned the hosts seven minutes before half-time by equalising with a well-worked move that ended with Lily Woodham dinking a ball over the top for Mille Gejl to run onto and fire past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
United pressed after half-time but lacked quality going forwards and needed another piece of good fortune to go ahead. Clinton’s pass was deflected into the path of Terland, who managed to round the goalkeeper and roll the ball home with a rather scuffed finish.
More chances followed for both sides, with Ella Toone seeing a goal-bound shot blocked, substitute Celin Bezit heading past the far post from close range and Maya Le Tissier denying Palace an equaliser in an entertaining second half.
Yet Marc Skinner's side finally wrapped up the win late on when Toone swung in an inviting free-kick for Clinton to head home and secure all three points.
GOAL rates United's players from Leigh Sports Village…
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (5/10):
A shaky display from the United shot-stopper. Seemed to dive out of the way of Palace's equaliser and flapped at a Riley cross that almost led to an equaliser.
Jayde Riviere (5/10):
Hit the woodwork with one delivery from the right, but caught out for Palace's goal.
Millie Turner (5/10):
Guilty of a few aimless balls forward and a mix-up with Tullis-Joyce almost gifted Palace a goal for 2-2.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Solid showing and came up with a vital goal-saving block to prevent Palace equalising late on.
Gabby George (6/10):
Offered very little, and it wasn't a huge surprise to see her hooked on the hour.
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Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Back in the starting XI and did a solid job alongside Miyazawa.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Easily United's best midfielder. Set up the first goal and always wanted the ball. A little surprising to see her taken off.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Went close with an effort that was blocked on the line and set up the third goal that killed off Palace with a brilliant free-kick.
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Grace Clinton (6/10):
Not a convincing showing by any means as United lacked quality and inspiration in attack, but did come up with a good header for the third goal.
Elisabeth Terland (8/10):
United's match-winner and could have had a hat-trick, but was denied by the woodwork.
Leah Galton (5/10):
Some moments of danger down the flank but could not provide the quality delivery needed.
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Anna Sandberg (7/10):
Made an impact after replacing George and teed up a fine chance for Bezit.
Celin Bezit (6/10):
Also looked lively after coming on and should have made it 3-1 to seal the win, but put a header wide.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Only on for the last few minutes.
Marc Skinner (6/10):
Made changes to his team but United looked unbalanced and lacked quality and pace in attack for long stretches of the game. His substitutions helped, but his side certainly made hard work of it.
