To kick of this season of the Barclays Women’s Super League, it’s a double whammy win for Aston Villa as Rachel Daly wins the season’s first Player of the Month award. Manager of the Month goes to her manager, Carla Ward.

Worthy winners Aston Villa went unbeaten in September. After 12 years, Rachel Daly’s return to the WSL was worth the wait. The striker, who also plays in defence for England and stunned at the Euros this summer, scored three goals last month. Against Manchester City, Rachel netted a brace, the second of which sealed the 4-3 win before scoring an early penalty in the 2-0 defeat of Leicester City.

Ward masterminded Villa’s first win over Manchester City: a resilient performance in which they recovered from 3-2 down to win 4-3. Villa continued their excellent start to the season with a victory over Leicester, ending the month with max points.