By Aimee Reynolds 13/11/23
Sheffield United 0-1 Durham
Above: Tara Bourne reacts to defeat for Sheffield United. Photo: Sheffield United official media.
Todays match between eighth placed Durham and Sheffield United in ninth was always known to be a close game. However Durham took the lead early on through Eleanor Ryan-Doyle which was enough to secure the result.
After an evenly matched opening giving both United and Durham chances, in the 10th minute Eleanor Ryan-Doyle caught out United’s backline early on. This early setback didn’t reflect the rest of the performance whatsoever. The Blades fought to the very last minute of the first half with multiple attacking spells from both teams.
Referee Constantine Hatzidakis gave out four yellow cards throughout the first half – two for each side leaving supporters unhappy. But these cards defiantly didn’t affect either teams performances.
The Red And White Wizards attacking spells came in at multiple times throughout both halfs and we witnessed summer signings Ash Hodson, Jess Sigworth, Isobel Goodwin and Jodie Hutton showing their magic but no goal was secured. In the 30th minute we witnessed Goodwin get round the keeper but support was lacking to get the goal they deserved.
Going into the second half Sigsworth had a powerful strike but goalie Tatiana Saunders came to the rescue pulling of an incredible save, keeping The Citizens 1-0 up. Throughout the first half there was multiple questionable decisions from the referee leaving both sides and fans frustrated.
In the 71st minute Durham nearly got their second goal after United had a freekick. The travelling side broke away, giving Saoirse Noonan a chance on goal. The shot didn’t quite go to plan and this meant that United’s number one had a steady save to pull off.
However this gave the home side some boost after they started rushing about desperate to gain a point out of this. Sigsworth had another chance on goal but Saunders steady hands produced a wonder save to ensure Durham gained the three points.
Even with the eight minutes added time, The Blades couldn’t put any chances to bed which gave Durham the deserved win pushing them into seventh and United stay ninth.
Next Sunday Durham will play fifth in the league Birmingham City and The Blades will face newly promoted Watford away who currently place 11th hoping to pick up some points down south.
Teams: SHEFFIELD UNITED: Stenson, Newsham, Barker, Bourne, Sigsworth, Rayner, Goodwin, Hodson,Hutton, A. Brown, R. Brown Substitutes used Wilcock
DURHAM: Saunders, Briggs, Wilson, Robson, Lambert, Crosthwaite, Bradley, Pritchard, Ayre, Noonan, Ryan-Doyle Substitutes Used – May, Andrews
Scorer: Ryan-Doyle 12’
Attendance: 833.
Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis
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