Sheffield FC Ladies back in old routine with 3-1 win; plus Cain injury fears allayed

Sheffield's players Jodie Michalska (in the net) and Emma Lipman show their delight after Hannah Dale made it 3-1 - photo Julian Barker

An early penalty by Chelsea Flanagan meant Sheffield opened the scoring for the first time in their six WSL 2 games to date. Rosella Ayane levelled with a fine strike, but Jodie Michalska headed Sheffield back in front from Ellie Gilliatt’s free kick just before the interval. Hannah Dale’s free kick on 75 minutes provided a welcome two-goal cushion.

There was further good news for Sheffield is that the injury to Hannah Cain, who was stretchered off following a challenge by Bristol’s Grace McCatty, was not as serious as first appeared. Fears of a break were not realised and Cain should be fit when Sheffield return to action, while the England starlet also has the Under-17s World Cup in September to look forward to.

Sheffield's Hannah Cain, left, was carried off but the injury turned out not to be serious.

Sheffield’s reserves conclude their season when they tackle Arsenal in the WSL Development League Cup final tomorrow.

The odd number (nine) of teams in WSL 1 - and the late postponement of Saturday’s game at home to Arsenal because of a waterlogged pitch - means a huge imbalance in fixtures for Doncaster Rovers Belles.

They have played only three games so far, with 13 to follow when the season resumes.

Apart from the long term injury to Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Belles had a full squad to choose from and close season signings in Carla Humphrey and Katrin Omarsdottir would have made their debut.

Brighouse drew 2-2 with Whitley Bay to pip Barnsley to the North East League Premier Division title. Barnsley’s home game against Hessle was postponed as the visitors could not raise a team, the game awarded to Barnsley who end their season at York. Barnsley’s points total of 54 from 21 games so far would have been enough to finish champions in each of the league’s previous seasons.