Elisabeth Terland continued her impressive scoring run against Leicester City as Manchester United closed the gap on Women's Super League leaders Manchester City to eight points.
The Norway international came off the bench to net in the 88th minute for her fifth goal in as many games against the Foxes.
Terland's strike sealed second-placed United's success - moving them four points clear of Chelsea - following a 13th-minute opener from Julia Zigiotti Olme.
For Leicester, it was a ninth loss in their 14 league games as they continue to struggle at the bottom end of the table.
"It wasn't vintage us but it was really important we've got three points and a clean sheet," said United manager Marc Skinner.
"I can be really pleased with the result, because that's what we're chasing. I want performances but we've got to be on it with results and keep the pressure on at the top."
The hosts had started brightly, with former United forward Rachel Williams testing keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce from the edge of the area.
But United quickly took control and led when January signing Lea Schuller tried to meet a Zigiotti Olme cross, but the sheer power of the Swede's ball meant it flew past the Germany striker and into the net.
The Foxes rallied in the second half, with French forward Noemie Mouchon lively and causing problems after coming off the bench.
Fellow substitute Shannon O'Brien also felt she should have been awarded a penalty when Anna Sandberg barged into her in the box, but referee Stacey Fullicks waved away Leicester protests.
Boss Rick Passmoor disagreed with the decision, but said afterwards he was encouraged by his team's performance.
"I am really proud of this team," he added. "If we play like that every week, we'll be fine.
"We're hurting but you wouldn't want to be with any other group of players at this moment in time."
Ultimately, Leicester's improvement proved fruitless as Terland provided the final flourish, showing great footwork before finishing clinically into the corner.