Sheffield United recorded their biggest-ever Barclays Women’s Championship victory as they defeated Coventry United 8-0 at Bramall Lane this afternoon.
After a three-week break, 1,149 fans descended on Bramall Lane as Barclays Women’s Championship football returned. The crowd were treat to a dominant display from the hosts as Neil Redfearn’s side blew away a Coventry United team who are still searching for their first positive result this season.
A quick start from Sheffield United resulted in Grace Riglar heading them into the lead inside 10 minutes. The defender’s goal was her first for The Blades. A lengthy delay followed as a result of a nasty collision in the box at the time of the goal. Coventry United goalkeeper Eleanor Heeps was stretchered off and was replaced by Jodie Whiteman.
Sheffield United skipper Courtney Sweetman-Kirk thought that she had netted the second goal of the afternoon when she fired past Whiteman from range, however, the flag went up for offside.
Just a few moments later, The Blades did extend their lead. After hitting the woodwork, the rebound fell to Rhema Lord-Mears who picked up the loose ball and fired it into the top corner.
The goals just kept coming for the hosts and they scored twice in quick succession. Whiteman could only watch as Maddy Cusack’s long-range strike flew into the top corner before Charlotte Newsham’s solo run secured Sheffield United a fourth.
As the first half entered 12 minutes of stoppage time, Cusack netted the fifth and final goal in an opening period that went from bad to worse for the away side.
Half-time substitute Mia Enderby opened the second half scoring, slotting the ball past the diving keeper from the edge of the box to make it 6-0. Bex Rayner then added a seventh just after the hour mark as her shot snuck between the keeper and the post.
Despite having put the game to bed early in the first half, The Blades’ goal tally continued to creep up. Enderby added the eighth and final goal with 15 minutes to go.
Pushing for more, the home side continued to attack as the game drew to a close, however, the contest was to end 8-0, a record-breaking scoreline for the South Yorkshire club.
The three points take Sheffield United into second place in the Barclays Women’s Championship table while Coventry United remain in the relegation zone.
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