Manchester United and Manchester City could not be separated after an enthralling encounter at Leigh Sports Village.
The match's first big incident came in the 35th minute as Georgia Stanway was sent off for planting her right boot into the left thigh, with referee Rebecca Welch in no doubt about brandishing the red card.
Despite their player disadvantage, City took the lead minutes later when Demi Stokes swung in an inviting cross and Khadija Shaw guided a header past Mary Earps.
United got on level terms after the break through Lucy Staniforth and turned the game on its head when Alessia Russo drove into the far corner.