The Spring Series is a one off competition to bridge the gap until the FAWSL reverts to a winter format to fit in with the rest of the women's football pyramid. Each team facing each other once most sides have reached the half way point in the campaign with the exception of Doncaster Rovers Belles who have played just the one fixture to date.
Both of today's opponents would have liked to have had more points on the board. Sheffield FC Ladies into their 2nd season of FAWSL football lay in 7th place in the table with just the one win from the 4 matches they have played so far winning their opening fixture went on to lose the next 3 in a row, the last away to joint table toppers London Bees two weeks ago. Narrow defeats all however losing by a single goal margin on all three occasions away from home. Now back on home soil a win would put Sheffield up at least one place into 6th.
Oxford United Women currently lay 2nd bottom in the FAWSL 2 Spring Series table 2 draws and 3 losses from the 5 matches they have played so far. The club has a new manager and coaching team in place this season, Andy Cook appointed as first team manager with Karl Milgate head coach. Ini Umotong was last season's top scorer in the league with 13 goals. Has 2 to her name so far this season. Looking for their 1st league win of the season this afternoon, like Sheffield 3 points would lift them all the way up to 6th too.
Heading north for today's game the journey got off to a bad start I was a mile down the road before I thought.. hang on what am I doing I'm going south? Don't ask me why I turned left instead of right I don't know! Anyway back on track Easter weekend traffic was likely to be heavy in places and so I didn't get to The Home of Football stadium as early as I'd like. Still time to get a cup of tea, glad I brought my coast too was starting to cool, the sun bright in the sky a few dark clouds lurking around that would bring showers later in the day. Mind you like alot of pitches round the country today's would welcome a little bit of moisture.
Sheffield DC Ladies starting XI - Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Emma Johnson, Sarah Jackson, Carla Ward (C), Sherry McCue, Jenna Dear, Hannah Dale, Rhema Lord-Mears, Ellie Gilliatt & Lagan Makin.
subs - Claire Wallhead, Billie Murphy, Sophie Jones, Hannah Cain, Suzanne Davies, Chloe Dixon & Kennedy Owen.
Oxford United Women starting XI - Lucy Thomas, Charlotte Deeley, Jess Frampton, Rosie Lane, Riva Carsley, Ellie Noble, Lauren Haynes (C), Emily Donovan, Holly Pickett, Taome Oliver & Ini Umotong.
subs - Demi Lambourne, Madison Lee, Lauren Allison, Ella Franklin-Fraiture & Sophie Baker.
Onto the action it's Sheffield to kick-off the 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Oxford lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with navy shirts and yellow socks. Oxford press Sheffield in possession right from the start the ball played back to left back Emma Johnson plays it up for Ellie Gilliatt making a run to get in behind on that side, Oxford's Jess Frampton getting back on her to tackle and put out for the throw in before she can cross.
Oxford get the ball into Umotong moving out to the left channel into the box her 1st touch a little too heavy runs out of play before she can get a shot away. A free flowing game early on end to end without anyone finding a way in behind either defence. Rosie Lane bringing the ball out from the back plays it long up to Umotong inside the D looks to bring the ball down on her chest turn into the box both Sheffield centre backs Sarah Jackson and captain Carla Ward quickly converge shutting the door on Umotong.
 |
| Oxford United Women's Rosie Lane |
Twice in quick successive Ward gets to the ball before Umotong as Oxford look to put the ball into the powerful striker outside the box. Hannah Dale carries the ball forwards for Sheffield through the middle releases Gilliatt on the left as she bursts forwards opts the hit the ball early dragging her half volley across the six yard box, picked up by Lagan Makin far post she is dispossessed by Oxford's Charlotte Deeley. Just as Oxford are looking to put the ball into Umotong up top, Sheffield's outlet is Gilliatt attacking down the left. McCue winning the ball in the middle brings it on has Gilliatt already on the move on the right, in behind as she receives the ball, Oxford captain Lauren Haynes tracks back slides in as Gilliatt reaches the byline puts her cross into the side netting.
 |
| Sheffield FC Ladies, Ellie Gilliatt looking to get after the ball |
 |
| Emily Donovan bringing the ball on for Oxford United Women |
GOAL! Penalty! Oxford are attacking down the right the ball played into Holly Pickett passes to Umotong outside the area right of goal, Ward ahead of her faints to take the ball inside into the area, then shifts to take it the other way into the box, Ward upends the striker the referee pointing to the spot. It's Umotong herself to take Draycott is left static in goal as the ball hit with plenty of pace flies to her left into the corner of the net 0-1 Oxford take the lead in the 18th minute.
 |
| Ini Umotong blasts her penalty into the back of the net to give Oxford United Women the lead |
Oxford maintaining a good tempo, Oliver nipping in to win the ball takes it inside from the left out to Pickett getting in behind on the right, puts a cross into the area is taken down by Draycott at the near post. A few spots of rain start to fall. Picking up possession on the left as Sheffield come forwards Rhema Lord-Mears takes the all in field on the move pulls the trigger from 30 yards her strike swerving in the air flies wide of the top right corner of the Oxford goal.
A powerful run from Jenna Dear in the middle for Sheffield linking up with McCue goes on as the ball is switched out to Danielle Cox on the right plays the ball up to Dear as she reaches the top of the area on the right, shoots sends her effort over the crossbar. Oxford push on Donovan on for Umotong goes for the shot 25 yards out puts the ball straight into Draycott's gloves an easy take for the keeper. Snapping at the ball Gilliatt wins it on the left 20 yards from goal drives for the box has support from Dale goes on into the box evading Frampton's challenge shoots as she falls her low ball taken cleanly by Thomas making the save as she goes to ground. Gilliatt questions the referee regarding the challenge gets no where.
 |
| Sheffield FC Ladies, Jenna Dear |
 |
| Rhema Lord-Mears looking for a pass for Sheffield FC Ladies |
 |
| Oxford United Women captain, Lauren Haynes |
An injury to Umotong late in the 1st half play stopped so she can receive treatment, okay to come back on Sheffield resume with a throw on the right into Lord-Mears drives inside looking to pick out Gilliatt always ready to spring into action wide left, the ball goes out for a throw in, Sheffield pressure the ball late on into injury time, Gilliatt looks to pick out Makin making a run to get ahead of her left side into the box, Frampton clears for Oxford a counter attack on for the visitors the ball played into Umotong right side outside the area lays the ball inside with Pickett making the run, Jackson does well for Sheffield getting across the attacker shielding the ball back to the keeper.
Half-time Sheffield FC Ladies 0-1 Oxford United Women
A narrow advantage Oxford United Women at half-time leading through Umotong's 18th minute penalty. Have worked hard pressing Sheffield on the ball frustrating them at times, Umotong a handful up front the visitors looking to constantly get her on the ball in the final 3rd, although busy the Sheffield defence has done well changes in behind have been at a premium. Up the other end Gilliatt has been the outlet for Sheffield but despite getting forwards on several occasions the shots from distance have been off target and goalkeeper Thomas been put under little pressure. A 1-0 lead can Oxford maintain that level of performance 2nd halve or will Sheffield up their game.
The decision to bring my coat with me was a good one the rain falling steadily at the start of the 2nd half sunshine and showers the best way to describe the weather as Oxford get the 2nd half underway. Sheffield move in quickly to take hold of the ball counter attacking the long ball out to Gilliatt on the left sends the ball into the area long towards the far post, Makin trying to get there, Deeley defends well for Oxford getting the ball back to her goalkeeper.
 |
| Sheffield FC Ladies, Lagan Makin |
Oxford win a free-kick out wide left, Noble left on the floor needing treatment after Johnson fouls her picks up the 1st yellow card of the match. The free-kick is played up field headed on by Oliver into Umotong who helps it on into the area, Ward clears for Sheffield. Oxford get a corner attacking down the left the ball played in towards the top of the area Donovan takes it into towards goal, challenges come in the ball deflected between feet before being cleared.
GOAL! 52 minutes played in the 2nd half and Sheffield get themselves back on level terms win a free-kick as Dale charging forwards is brought down 20 yards from goal. It's Dear to take the set-piece right of the D, gets plenty of power on the shot taking it past the Oxford wall angling across the area Thomas can't get to it as it the ball smashes of the advertising hoardings behind the goal as it hits the back of the net 1-1. Dear's 1st goal for Sheffield.
Not long after Sheffield make a change Makin coming off the field Hannah Cain coming on. Sheffield have the momentum, Dear with another chance to shoot from outside the box left this time sends her effort bouncing wide out at the far post. Oxford get hold of the ball in the middle Noble bringing it on sending it on for Umotong who takes on the 1st time shot in a central position just as she enters the box, takes a deflection off Jackson seeing it safely run through to Draycott in goal.
GOAL! 6 minutes after equalising Sheffield go on to take the lead in the 2nd half and it's a beauty from Johnson. Winning a free-kick up on halfway Dear over the ball plays it long up towards the top left corner of the area, headed down dropping into Johnson she brings it down well before shifting it to her right turning inside she strikes the ball sweetly sending it arrowing into the top corner kissing the underside of the crossbar and in! A worldie to make it 2-1.
Oxford respond with a double change, Donovan and Pickett coming off, Lauren Allison and Ella Franklin-Fraiture coming on in the 60th minute. Taking a throw-in quickly on the right the ball into Umotong 35 yards out looks to thread the ball into Allison breaking ahead of her into the box she is caught offside.
GOAL! A further blow for the visitors as Sheffield further extend their lead, given the ball inside her own half on the left Cain is allowed to travel all the way to the Oxford area before she lays the ball across the face towards Gilliatt positioned centrally leaning back letting the ball roll across her meets it with the inside of her boot the ball angling up and away from the goalkeeper to fly into the top corner 3-1. 3 goals in the space of 13 minutes Sheffield have completely turned the game around and the home fans sitting in the stand behind the goal have been treated to some top class finishes.
Oxford push on, frustrated themselves now on the back foot win a throw in deep on the right Noble winning a corner from it, the inswinging delivery claimed by Draycott central inside her six yard box high in the air with Oliver closing in. A free-kick for Sheffield on half-way played long to Gilliatt on the left allowed to travel with the ball shoots on the angle her effort flying over the bar.
Umotong catches Jackson giving away a free-kick and gets a warning from the referee. Haynes regain possession for Oxford the ball is worked out to Allison moving into space on the left sends the ball in early towards the top of the area Umotong jumping leans on Ward to gain the advantage bringing the Sheffield captain down gives away another free-kick this time earning her a yellow card.
Franklin-Fraiture brings the ball on for Oxford right midfield plays the pass on for Oliver to take it up the right wing puts a high ball into the box, Umotong coming near side can't reach it falls to Allison far side bringing in under control looks to turn back towards goal her shot from 8 yards out blocked by Cox. Umotong is fouled 20 yards from goal in a central position, Noble over it runs in faints to shoot before laying it to Haynes to her right the Oxford captain's shot is charged down at the top of the area.
GOAL! Into the final 15 minutes Oxford get players forwards Frampton given the ball on the overlap goes on up the wing lifting a high ball into the near post area, Umotong getting across her marker gets up high to head the ball down back across the keeper to score and pulls it back to 3-2.
Umotong's joy at scoring her 2nd of the game giving Oxford a chance to get back into the game is short lived going to grab the ball out of the back of the net, she and Draycott come together, hands are raised and the referee is quickly on the scene can't be any other outcome as both striker and goalkeeper are called back to the referee, a yellow card shown to both, Umotong's 2nd is followed by the red as she is sent off, Oxford down to 10.
A 2nd change for Sheffield, Dale the player coming off to be replaced by Suzanne Davies. Franklin-Fraiture wins the ball in the middle for Oxford bringing it on picks out Allison on her own up top now moving to the left the ball into her feet turns inside travelling towards the top of the box, collides with Jackson as the defender goes to ground to put in the challenge, Allison trying to hurdle the defender accidentally catching her in the face with her knee. Jackson is left a little dazed but up after receiving treatment. Sheffield looking for another goal to make the result safe, Lord-Mears into Cox as the defender gets forwards on the right lays the ball on for Davies, can't make anything happen as she is tackled by Carsley.
Franklin-Fraiture with another strong run on the ball gets forwards for Oxford moving left turns inside 25 yards out lets fly with a shot the ball going wide of goal. Jackson needs to come off for Sheffield is replaced by Billie Davies as the game moves into the closing minutes. Oxford bring on Sophie Baker for Deeley. With the player advantage Sheffield are able to retain possession keep it in their opponents final 3rd. Cain gets a shot away from distance driven in low is saved by Thomas.
 |
| Jenna Dear hits her free-kick across the keeper to score her 1st goal for Sheffield FC Ladies |
Not long after Sheffield make a change Makin coming off the field Hannah Cain coming on. Sheffield have the momentum, Dear with another chance to shoot from outside the box left this time sends her effort bouncing wide out at the far post. Oxford get hold of the ball in the middle Noble bringing it on sending it on for Umotong who takes on the 1st time shot in a central position just as she enters the box, takes a deflection off Jackson seeing it safely run through to Draycott in goal.
 |
| Oxford United Women's, Ellie Noble |
GOAL! 6 minutes after equalising Sheffield go on to take the lead in the 2nd half and it's a beauty from Johnson. Winning a free-kick up on halfway Dear over the ball plays it long up towards the top left corner of the area, headed down dropping into Johnson she brings it down well before shifting it to her right turning inside she strikes the ball sweetly sending it arrowing into the top corner kissing the underside of the crossbar and in! A worldie to make it 2-1.
Oxford respond with a double change, Donovan and Pickett coming off, Lauren Allison and Ella Franklin-Fraiture coming on in the 60th minute. Taking a throw-in quickly on the right the ball into Umotong 35 yards out looks to thread the ball into Allison breaking ahead of her into the box she is caught offside.
GOAL! A further blow for the visitors as Sheffield further extend their lead, given the ball inside her own half on the left Cain is allowed to travel all the way to the Oxford area before she lays the ball across the face towards Gilliatt positioned centrally leaning back letting the ball roll across her meets it with the inside of her boot the ball angling up and away from the goalkeeper to fly into the top corner 3-1. 3 goals in the space of 13 minutes Sheffield have completely turned the game around and the home fans sitting in the stand behind the goal have been treated to some top class finishes.
Oxford push on, frustrated themselves now on the back foot win a throw in deep on the right Noble winning a corner from it, the inswinging delivery claimed by Draycott central inside her six yard box high in the air with Oliver closing in. A free-kick for Sheffield on half-way played long to Gilliatt on the left allowed to travel with the ball shoots on the angle her effort flying over the bar.
Umotong catches Jackson giving away a free-kick and gets a warning from the referee. Haynes regain possession for Oxford the ball is worked out to Allison moving into space on the left sends the ball in early towards the top of the area Umotong jumping leans on Ward to gain the advantage bringing the Sheffield captain down gives away another free-kick this time earning her a yellow card.
 |
| Ella Franklin-Fraiture brings the ball forwards for Oxford United Women |
 |
| Sheffield FC Ladies, Danielle Cox |
GOAL! Into the final 15 minutes Oxford get players forwards Frampton given the ball on the overlap goes on up the wing lifting a high ball into the near post area, Umotong getting across her marker gets up high to head the ball down back across the keeper to score and pulls it back to 3-2.
 |
| 2 goals and a red card for Oxford United Women's Ini Umotong |
A 2nd change for Sheffield, Dale the player coming off to be replaced by Suzanne Davies. Franklin-Fraiture wins the ball in the middle for Oxford bringing it on picks out Allison on her own up top now moving to the left the ball into her feet turns inside travelling towards the top of the box, collides with Jackson as the defender goes to ground to put in the challenge, Allison trying to hurdle the defender accidentally catching her in the face with her knee. Jackson is left a little dazed but up after receiving treatment. Sheffield looking for another goal to make the result safe, Lord-Mears into Cox as the defender gets forwards on the right lays the ball on for Davies, can't make anything happen as she is tackled by Carsley.
Franklin-Fraiture with another strong run on the ball gets forwards for Oxford moving left turns inside 25 yards out lets fly with a shot the ball going wide of goal. Jackson needs to come off for Sheffield is replaced by Billie Davies as the game moves into the closing minutes. Oxford bring on Sophie Baker for Deeley. With the player advantage Sheffield are able to retain possession keep it in their opponents final 3rd. Cain gets a shot away from distance driven in low is saved by Thomas.
Full time Sheffield FC Ladies 3-2 Oxford United Women
The 3 points go to Sheffield winning the game 3-2 turning the game completely around having been 1-0 down at the break, 3 superb 2nd half strikes in the space of 13 minutes turning thing's around, Umatong pulling it back to 3-2 giving Oxford a chance to get back into the match but a moment of madness seeing her red carded reduced to 10 Sheffield looked comfortable for the win a good 2nd half performance after a frustrating 1st half.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
Ellie Gilliatt is today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match for Sheffield a constant threat on the wing well backed up by Emma Johnson behind her. Always wanting the ball annoyed when she doesn't get it creating chances for herself and bringing opportunities for her teammates entertaining to watch and a well taken goal. Johnson's does beat it however.
An entertaining trip up to the Home of Football.
No comments:
Post a Comment