BY IONA BENNETT
Sheffield United Women hosted Newcastle United Women at Bramall Lane on Sunday, in a crucial match for both teams. The Blades entered the game aiming to put distance between themselves and Portsmouth Women in the relegation battle. Conversely, Becky Langley’s newly-promoted side sought to climb the FA Women’s Championship standings for a very different reason: to keep their dream of three back-to-back promotions alive.
While the previous encounter between the two sides in September ended in a 2-0 victory to the Magpies, points could have been shared had Sheffield taken their chances. Therefore, although Newcastle were clear favourites going into the game, the Blades aimed to cause an upset and clinch points off the visitors in their second encounter.
Ash Thompson, newly appointed at the start of the season following a successful stint as U21s head coach, opted for a largely unchanged lineup from his side’s difficult 6-1 FA Cup defeat against Crystal Palace, with keeper Sian Rogers getting the look in over Bethan Davies.
Meanwhile, Langley made three changes from Newcastle’s FA Cup victory over old rivals Nottingham Forest, including a debut for Charlotte Wardall, newly signed from Chelsea following a loan at Sheffield United in the first half of the season. Newbie Poppy Pritchard, on loan from Manchester City, was also included in the squad.
Newcastle asserted their dominance in possession from kickoff, while Sheffield aimed to capitalise on counterattacks. Early chances fell to both teams: Newcastle’s Shania Hayles forced a save from Rogers, while Sheffield’s Satara Murray, who had an excellent game, sent a free header over the bar. Despite Newcastle’s superior composure, Sheffield nearly took the lead in the 39th minute when Maria Farrugia rattled the crossbar with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. The first half ended goalless, with Sheffield showing signs of growing confidence despite Newcastle’s pressure.
Sheffield started the second half strongly, with Farrugia’s expertly taken effort forcing Claudia Moan into action. However, it was Newcastle who looked more threatening as the half progressed. Becky Langley’s substitutions brought fresh energy, including the debut of Prichard, who was welcomed with loud applause from the away fans.
The breakthrough came in the 71st minute, albeit in an unexpected fashion. Wardlaw’s backpass to Moan slipped under the goalkeeper’s foot and rolled into the net, gifting Sheffield the lead against the run of play. Despite it being no fault of her own, it would not have been the debut, nor the return to Bramall Lane, that Wardall was hoping for.
Langley’s frustration was evident on the sidelines, as her team sought an immediate response. The Magpies pushed forward relentlessly, and their persistence paid off in the 91stminute when substitute Rachel Furness’s headed effort levelled the score. However, Sheffield responded in kind, nearly clinching the win as substitute Olivia Edwards took it past Moan only to be brought down, in what looked to be a clear foul. However, much to Thompson’s fury, referee Aaron Ford waved play on, and no penalty was given. The game ended with points being shared – the home fans making their opinion of Ford’s decision quite clear as they booed him off the pitch after the full-time whistle.
