Sheffield United are focused on the big one, not the glamorous occasion

The other represents an opportunity to potentially shape lives and careers. Which is why Sheffield United Women, who stand three points off the top of the FA Championship table, are not even thinking about next week’s meeting with Manchester City until after Sunday’s clash with leaders Aston Villa.

“I can tell you know, quite publicly, that the City game hasn’t even been mentioned,” Carla Ward, United’s manager, said. “And it won’t be, by anyone here, staff or players, until after the match we’ve got coming up.”

The progress of Ward’s side has been among a number of wonderful stories to emanate from Bramall Lane this term.

While their male counterparts gain admirers for taking the Premier League by storm - rising to eighth in the table, less than a year after being promoted, thanks to some hypnotising football - the former Leeds, Lincoln and Sporting Plaza de Argel midfielder’s players have also been busy rewriting the rule book in their own competition.

Having set their sights on a top four finish at the beginning of the campaign, United, in only their second season as a second tier club, are instead battling for promotion after winning all but two of their opening 11 games.

Three more victories have been recorded in the Continental League Cup, which saw Ward’s team advance through the group stages and set-up Wednesday night’s meeting with City at the Proact Stadium.

Although that quarter-final should prove a wonderful occasion - England’s Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Ellen White could feature for the Super League outfit - it is nowhere near as significant as Villa’s visit to north Derbyshire. (Kick-off 2pm).

“The fact nobody has even talked about City - they probably wouldn’t dare mention it to be honest - goes to show how focused on Villa they all are,” Ward continued. “At the start, we had a target and that’s probably changed now because we’re on their heels. We just want to keep driving forward.”

Although Keri Matthews is expected to miss Villa’s visit through injury, United will have the reigning Championship player of the month at their disposal. Katie Wilkinson was handed the award on Tuesday evening after scoring 17 times in her last 16 appearances and could be joined at the club by a new signing as Ward looks to consolidate United’s grip on a top two place.

“Katie has been excellent,” Ward said. “But it’s not just her goals, it’s her all round game and her all round contribution.

“She motivates people and during training this week, she was out there driving people on.”

Tickets for the games against Villa and City are available as part of a two-match package, priced £5 adults and £3 concessions, from United’s box office. Season ticket holders can gain entry to both fixtures upon production of a valid card at the stadium’s turnstiles.