United Women smash Lionesses 5-1 at record‑breaking Bromley home debut

United Women smash Lionesses 5-1 at record‑breaking Bromley home debut

When Manchester United Women thrashed London City Lionesses 5‑1 at CopperJax Community Stadium on September 14, 2025, the league felt the tremor of a comeback. The match, part of the Barclays Women’s Super LeagueCopperJax Community Stadium, doubled as the Lionesses’ first home fixture in the top flight, drawing a record‑breaking sell‑out crowd of roughly 4,800 fans.

Historic Home Debut for Lionesses

The atmosphere was electric. For London City Lionesses, it was a milestone – their inaugural WSL home game, a showcase of a multi‑million‑pound summer recruitment drive, and a chance to prove they belong among England’s elite. Yet, the early goal conceded in the third minute set the tone. Maya Le Tissier, United’s captain, stepped up to convert a penalty after Melvine Malard was hauled down by Jana Fernández. The spot‑kick was smashed down the middle, marking Le Tissier’s 100th appearance for United.

United’s Roaring Return

Just three days after a bruising 2‑1 loss to Brann in the Champions League qualifiers, manager Marc Skinner reshuffled his squad. He handed debuts to Millie Turner, Julia Zigiotti Olme and Celin Bizet Donnum, while trusting Jessica Park with her first start since moving from Manchester City.

In the 33rd minute, Jayde Riviere celebrated her 50th United appearance with a first‑ever goal, curling an acute‑angle shot into the bottom corner for a comfortable 2‑0 lead. United’s dominance was evident; the ball rarely lingered in the Lionesses’ half, and the midfield pressed high, forcing errors that never translated into goals.

Key Player Milestones

Second‑half fireworks followed. Melvine Malard struck a quickfire brace: a glancing finish from an off‑side position at 47 minutes, then a powerful header from Anna Sandberg’s cross at 50 minutes. The French forward’s poise reminded fans why she’s a coveted international.

Later, Fridolina Rolfö made a debut that lived up to the hype, linking up with Park for the fifth, sheer‑cannon of the night. From the left wing, Park cut inside and unleashed a right‑footed strike from outside the box that nestled into the top left corner – a goal that will surely be replayed on highlight reels for weeks.

On a personal note, Japanese midfielder Hinata Miyazawa

Injuries and What They Mean

The match took a worrying turn when United centre‑back Millie Turner was forced off on a stretcher just after the hour mark. A hard challenge left her motionless; medics spent several minutes administering treatment before carting her away. The club confirmed she suffered a hamstring strain, putting her out for up to six weeks.

That injury forces Skinner to rethink defensive options. With Jessica Park and Celin Bizet Donnum now in the mix, there’s depth, but Turner's absence could sap United of some aerial prowess in the busy weeks ahead.

Implications for the WSL Table

United’s win catapulted them to seven points from three games, sitting atop the table with a +8 goal difference. Arsenal, the European champions, sit on eight points from four games, while Chelsea trails with nine points from three – a cramped race where every goal counts.

For the Lionesses, the defeat is their second loss in three matches, following a 4‑1 drubbing by Arsenal. The gaps exposed – defensive frailties, lack of composure under pressure – suggest that the summer’s hefty investment might need a few more weeks to gel. Yet the record attendance offers a silver lining, indicating a burgeoning fanbase eager to watch the club grow.

Local pundit James Whitaker of Sky Sports noted, “United showed the resilience a title‑challenger needs after a European setback. The Lionesses, though outclassed today, have planted roots. If they can turn that crowd energy into on‑field chemistry, the season could still hold surprises.”