Simone Magill’s late penalty sent Birmingham City top of the Women’s Championship, left Sheffield United Women pointless and condemned them to a sixth-straight defeat after the away side prevailed with a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.
Both sides paid tribute to George Baldock with a minute’s silence before kick-off – the former Blades defender tragically died this week at the age of 31.
United came into the game second from bottom, still looking for their first points of the season and looking to halt an eight game losing run, while a win for the visitors would see them jump to the top of the table.
Blues took the lead after just three minutes when Neve Herron headed in at the near post from a corner. The away side continued to have by far the better of the opening exchanges, with Ashanti Akpan and See Gueng-Min both going close within the first 15 minutes.
The home side grew into the game and were level on 24 minutes when Ellen Molloy, fresh into the side, picked up the ball mid-way inside the Blues half, dribbled past 3 players and slotted cooly into the bottom right-hand corner.
Announcing herself to S2! 🍀
🔴 1-1 🔵 pic.twitter.com/2ZJid6o3qF
— Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) October 11, 2024
The Blades went close again before the break, with Maltese international Maria Farrigua cutting inside and shooting, but at a comfortable height for Blues keeper Lucy Thomas to catch.
The contest after the break continued to be relatively even, with both teams having plenty of chances but lacking the finishing touch. The standout of those opportunities came on 71 minutes when Blades joint-top scorer Eve Butler flashed a half volley towards goal from just outside the six yard box on the right which was deflected behind for a corner.
United continued to ring the changes in an attempt to find a winner, and won a penalty six minutes from time following a penalty area scramble.
Magill sent Rogers the wrong way with a cool penalty into the bottom left-hand corner to the delight of the small band of travelling bluenoses.
The Blades would’ve been encouraged when nine minutes of second half stoppage time were indicated, and had their best chance to level in the 99th minute when Molloy latched onto a cutback 12 yards out but her left-footed effort was saved low by Thomas.
FT: A late penalty wins it for the visitors. pic.twitter.com/WRbJDtgmSq
— Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) October 11, 2024
The defeat leaves the Blades level on points with bottom-placed Portsmouth, who face off against South Coast rivals Southampton on Sunday.
Sheffield United Women next travel to Lancashire to face off against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday 20 October, with a 2pm kick off. Next up for Birmingham is a trip down to Southampton, where they play the Saints at the same time.
