Sheffield United Women won 4-1 against Durham claiming their first win of the Women’s Super League 2 after four games, courtesy of an Amy Andrews hattrick.
Going into the game both teams stood at the bottom of the table in 11th and 12th having lost all three of their opening fixtures. They were both in need of their first win and points to finally get the season off to a good start.
The first half started quite evenly with both teams having chances including a Durham free kick and Sheffield United corner.
The Blades’ reward came in the 12th minute when Amy Andrews headered the ball into the goal after a lovely volley from Lucy Quinn. Sheffield United continued to press with Charlie Devlin hitting the post after Tilly Bristow drilled the ball into the box.
Durham continued to fight back with two great chances, one strike was shot just over the bar and another came from a corner taken by Beth Hepple, which was caught by Sian Rogers in goal.
After multiple chances, Bayley Hutchinson drew a goal back to make it 1-1 just before half time with an assist from Jade Pennock. It was a powerful strike from just outside the box that landed in the top right corner just where Rogers couldn’t reach.
It was level at the break however this was soon turned around as the second half went underway.
Sheffield United made it 2-1 in the 50th minute through a Lucy Quinn strike which brought the Blades back in front.
Just two minutes later, United were awarded a penalty and Durham’s Grace Eyre received a yellow card for her foul inside the box. It was Amy Andrews again with a great goal sending Catriona Sheppard the wrong way making it 3-1.
With a great momentum built up, the Blades continued to have shots on goal looking by far the better side forcing Durham to make some tactical substitutions with half an hour left to play.
In the 68th minute, player of the match, Andrews got her hattrick after a beautiful run and strike straight past the goalkeeper. With 20 minutes left to play, Sheffield United looked incredibly dominant and well underway to achieve their first win of the season.
Durham attempted to score and try to at least bring the goal difference down but the full time whistle was blown by referee Callum Parke confirming a win for the Blades.
Sheffield United Women now sit 9th in the WSL2 table on 3 points however, Durham go down to 12th still yet to grab a point.
The Blades play Ipswich in their next fixture on Sunday 4th October where they will hope to continue this winning streak.
During the game, play was paused in the 8th minute for a round of applause in memory of Maddy Cusack, a former Sheffield United Women’s player who tragically passed away 3 years ago.
Image Credits: Annie Downer
