The success of the Lionesses this summer in the Euros has generated a massive boost in the popularity of women’s football. Bramall Lane hosted some games, including the semi-final, which saw the Lionesses take on Sweden.
Head Coach of Sheffield United’s women’s team, Neil Redfearn, has expressed his delight that the women’s team will play all their home games at Bramall Lane this season.
A few new faces were added to the squad during the summer. One addition to keep an eye on is Wales international Maria Francis-Jones from Manchester City on dual registration.
With the boost in the excitement surrounding the women’s game and the new recruits added to the squad, Sheffield United have had a relatively strong start to the 2022/23 season.
The squad’s first match ended in a 1-0 loss against Blackburn Rovers, who are currently second from the bottom in the league table. However, that first defeat of the season seemed to be the prod that the Blades needed, and the team went on to win 2 -0 at home to Durham in their next match, with Courtney Sweetman-Kirk scoring twice in the second half.
An 8-0 victory against Coventry United in the Blades’ second game at home was the highlight of the season so far. Grace Riglar, who has just joined the Blades in July after one year at Coventry United, scored in the first ten minutes of the game.
After two big home wins, it was a shame to see United Women draw against Lewes. The Blades bounced back from being 2-0 down after an own goal from the opposition and a second goal from defender Charlotte Newsham. Newsham attempted to give the Blades the third goal and completely turn the match around but was denied as the offside flag was raised.
Although Redfearn was critical of the team’s performance in parts, the head coach was happy to take home a “great point”. He described the own goal as “a bit lucky” but said: “you get some luck sometimes if you get good balls in the box, and the second goal is a great goal”.
Sheffield United’s promising run was brought to an end on Sunday, losing 2-3 at Bramall Lane to current league leaders, Bristol City.
Despite what the scoreboard says, the two sides saw equal near equal possession, and the Blades had more shots on target.
Redfearn said that it “didn’t feel like a 1-3 game”.
Despite their recent loss, Sheffield remains in the middle of Barclay’s Women’s Championship league table, one point behind Southampton, a new team to the league who the Blades will face next Sunday at home.
