Sheffield United head coach Neil Redfearn says that he is delighted with the competitiveness of his side in the early stages of this season.
The Blades have taken just seven points from an available 21, however, they have competed well despite being one of just a small handful of clubs operating in the Barclays Women’s Championship on a part-time basis.
Three of Sheffield United’s defeats have been by just a single goal and head coach Redfearn is very much taking the positives from his side’s competitiveness.
“The girls have been brilliant,” Redfearn said when speaking ahead of this weekend’s fixture against London City Lionesses at Bramall Lane. “After that result (against Birmingham City), you could have forgiven them for being down about it but they went straight back at it the week after. We’ve had a good week in training this week and we’ve been planning for the London City game.
“Where we are at (in the table) doesn’t surprise me because we are a part-time team but we have been very close in quite a few games. I think that we could have easily turned the two draws into two wins, we’ve won two games and the defeats have been close other than perhaps the Bristol City game.
“We are competing against full-time teams as a part-time team and they are small margins so the girls have got to take real credit from that.”
This weekend’s game against London City Lionesses will see three sides of Bramall Lane open for the very first time for a women’s team fixture. Redfearn has been pleased with the backing that his side have received so far this season.
He said “The support that we have had this season has been fantastic, well over 1,000 fans have turned up every game.
“I think they understand the challenge of being a part-time team and they have got behind the girls and have given us real good vocal support. They encourage them and being vocal when we are under pressure really helps the team.
“It is credit to the people of Sheffield that they have turned out and supported the women’s team as they have. The girls have responded to that, they love playing in front of a big crowd. Hopefully, it’ll be another big crowd on Sunday and we can put on a performance for them.”
Sheffield United’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against London City Lionesses kicks-off at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
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