Neil Redfearn reveals ambition to get Sheffield United into Women's Super League after battling Liverpool display

United lost 1-0 but could easily have taken something from the game as they missed two penalties, Katie Wilkinson shooting wide and Jade Pennock seeing her effort saved by Liverpool’s Rylee Foster.

Redfearn refused to apportion any blame to either of his players for their spot-kick misses, as Liverpool leap-frogged the Blades into third position in the FA Women’s Championship standings.

With Leicester City eight points clear at the top of the table, United won’t be promoted this season – but Redfearn says that an eventual seat at the top table of women’s football in this country remains a priority for the Blades.

“For me, the big picture is that I want to get this side into the top flight,” he said.

“It’s a process, it is going to take a while.

“We started off keeping clean sheets, I know we’ve conceded one today but I think that’s 10 or 11 clean sheets this season. We then wanted to be more expansive and play good football, knock it about well, and you saw that against Liverpool.

“I think we are getting better. We are heading in the right direction.

“I thought that we dominated the game, we played some good stuff. Out of possession I thought we worked out how they played out from the back and I thought we pressed well.

“If I was nit-picking, perhaps with the dominance that we had, we didn’t get in-front of goal enough. But having said that, we’ve missed two penalties.

“I’ve got to be pleased with the performance. Against a full-time side, I thought the girls acquitted themselves brilliantly.”

United’s campaign comes to an end this Sunday, when they travel to Blackburn Rovers.

“They have been absolutely brilliant for us this season, I wouldn’t ever criticise anybody,” Redfearn added, on Wilkinson and Pennock.

“You have to have mental toughness and braveness to take a penalty and it’s part of the game. Everyone says that you should score but you have a professional goalkeeper to beat. If they guess right, they save it.

“I’m really pleased with my girls, I thought they were superb.”

While you're here, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor