Sheffield United: Manager Carla Ward believes her side are “learning to win ugly” after another late win over Leicester City in FA Women’s Championship

Pennock, who netted the late decisive goal in last weekend’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, again struck in the dying moments of the game at Farley Way, turning home a corner after Ellie Gilliatt had cancelled out Hayley James’ opener for the Foxes.

The victory moved Ward’s side up to fifth in the table, a point clear of London Bees having played two games less.

{https://twitter.com/dannyhall04|Follow Danny Hall on Twitter|CLICK HERE}

And the Blades boss said: “I said to them at the end, that wasn’t our best performance by a stretch but the fact is they’re learning to win ugly and they found a way to win.

“At 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go you could see the mentality in them that they didn’t want to lose the game and they’ve done everything they can to do it – I can’t fault them.

Match Analysis: Chris Wilder explains why losing to Bristol City was a painful but not fatal blow to his team’s automatic promotion hopes

“We set targets and we’re going towards where we want to be. We’re happy with three wins from three, the girls deserve it because they’re finding a way to win games. If we’d played like this earlier in the season we’d have lost, but they have that belief now they can win.”

In a first half low on chances, Ebony Salmon fired over with the first chance of the game before Demi Lambourne in the home goal held two long-range efforts from Pennock.

Leicester's best chance of the game came early in the second half when striker Mel Johnson rounded Blades goalkeeper Fran Bentley, but Sam Tierney made a vital block.

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has ‘nothing but praise’ for Blades despite Andreas Weimann’s hat-trick giving Robins all three points at Bramall Lane

The breakthrough came when James headed home a corner, before Gilliatt levelled the scores with a stunning strike from outside the box.

Salmon almost put United in front when she struck a post, before Pennock sparked jubilant scenes with a late winner.

“There were a few stern words at half-time because I felt it was a bit lacklustre but we knew Leicester were there for the taking,” Ward added.

“We go to Durham next but we’re not going to fear anyone. The girls have to go and enjoy themselves between now and the end of the season, show people what you can do and at the moment they’re doing exactly that.”

The Star Football+ is the fastest and most comprehensive way to stay up to date on your mobile phone from our reporters. Just click here on your mobile phone to go straight to the FREE web app.

It gives you quick access to all the latest football headlines and photos in one place, including match analysis, team news, stats, league tables and videos. Don't forget to save the app onto your mobile's home screen so you can get the latest news with just one click.