Defences dominate as Addicks take point off Blades in 0-0 draw

By Football Reporter

Charlton Athletic played out a tense 0-0 draw away to Sheffield United as both sides walked away with a point at the Technique Stadium. In a game where defences were on top, both sides had to rely on one or two good chances a piece as both looked to end a run of games without a win. The visitors started slightly the better of the two sides but couldn't overly test the returning Fran Kitching and when they did defender Charlotte Newsham denied Megan Wynne an almost certain goal. The Blades though, grew into the game and had chances to go in front when Emily Syme saw an effort saved from the edge of the box before Courtney Sweetman-Kirk fired an effort straight at Eartha Cumings after running onto Lucy Watson's low cross. It was more of the same after the break but the hosts started to take the initiative as the second half wore on. Maddy Cusack saw a free-kick saved before Watson had the best chance of the match, pinching the ball back high up the pitch but sending her effort over the bar when through on the Charlton goal. Both sides gave it everything to win it late on before the full-time whistle went as the visitors managed to deny United after a dangerous stoppage time free-kick into the box. To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visitwomenscompetitions.thefa.com

Sheffield united manager Neil Redfearn: “I think we could have done more with the ball. I thought we looked resolute and that's the pleasing thing and I've said to the girls. Off the back of conceding five goals last weekend we've kept two clean sheets in two games now over four days. “That's not an easy thing to do. Charlton are one of the sides who spent a lot over the summer so you can't turn your nose up at a point against a side like that, a good side, I just think we had enough of the game to do a bit more and that's the only disappointment. “We've got to learn to switch from competing and doing what we need to do to keep a clean sheet but do a bit more and be a bit more efficient around the other box, but having said that we had the better chances today.”

Charlton manager Karen Hills: “I'm pleased with a point and with the performance. Coming here is always a tough ask, they've had a similar few weeks and results to us. Anyone could have had it there at the end but the girls worked hard for the point. “I thought we handled the game in a positive manner. It got a bit frantic at times but we handled it well, the players will keep learning and we get better week in, week out and I think the girls worked really hard today and deserved the point.”

Teams:

Sheffield United: (4-2-3-1): Fran Kitching; Tara Bourne, Sophie Bradley-Auckland, Georgia Robert, Charlotte Newsham; Kasia Lipka, Emily Syme; Maddy Cusack, Alethea Paul, Lucy Watson; Courtney Sweetman-Kirk Substitutes: Bex Rayner for Syme 57, Mia Enderby for Paul 70 Substitutes not used: Nina Wilson, Tamara Wilcock, Matilda Taylor, Charley Docherty, Ocean Rolandsen Bookings: Sweetman-Kirk 77 Charlton Athletic (4-3-3): Eartha Cumings; Rachel Newborough, Hannah Godfrey, Anna Filbey, Beth Roe; Lois Roche, Mia Ross, Keith Skeels; Megan Wynne, Elise Hughes, Emma Follis Substitutes: Jess King for Follis 69 Substitutes not used: Sophie Hillyerd, Vyan Sampson, Hollie Olding, Elisha Sulola, Lois Heuchan Bookings: Roe 60, Filbey 76, Wynne 90 Referee: Elizabeth Simms Attendance: 322