Sheffield United Women began the 2022-23 Barclays Women Championship season in a 1-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers Ewood Park yesterday.
Rovers’ winning goal came via Saffron Jordan’s header in first-half stoppage time, however, the visitors rued missed opportunities in front of goal whilst also hitting the crossbar.
In the opening 20 minutes, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk twice evaluated the Rovers goal, firstly firing straight at the keeper before scooping over from close range from Bex Rayner’s low cross. The striker then saw a penalty appeal turned down before 16-year-old debutant, Chene Muir, struck the crossbar with her effort.
United stopper, Bethan Davies, found herself beaten in stoppage time after a looping free kick was headed home at the far post from JORDAN.
Blades boss Neil Redfearn switched the formation at the break, switching to three at the back to create an attractive second half. The Blades pressure continued as did their lack of luck in front of goal as Aletha Paul saw her shot blocked on the line before Sweetman-Kirk curled wide of the goal.
Paul fired over the crossbar as further opportunities were wasted before claims for handball in the penalty area were denied by the referee. Sweetman-Kirk struck the crossbar in the closing minutes as Rovers held on for the victory.
The Bladettes will next host Durham next Sunday (kick-off; 17:30 PM), at Bramall Lane in their first home game of the new season.