WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: Blades lose out to Villa in top of the table clash

Emma Follis’s second-half strike delivered three points to the West Midlands as FA Women’s Championship leaders Aston Villa won this top of the table clash at Sheffield United Women.
Emma Follis hit the winner for Aston Villa.Emma Follis hit the winner for Aston Villa.
Emma Follis hit the winner for Aston Villa.

The visitors had the better of the first half, but could not make it count.

However Follis’s effort shortly before the hour-mark proved to be the difference.

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The first real action of the game came when Follis struck a wicked curling free-kick that rattled the top of the bar.

A fast break by the away side then saw Shania Hayles square for Nadine Hanson who tested keeper Flaherty.

Then just before half-time Asmita Ale pounced on a loose ball in the area and prodded it through to Hayles who side-footed wide from eight yards.

The Blades started the second half on the front foot. Maddy Cusack’s cutting run and shot deflected just wide in the early stages.

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The decisive play of the game came when United’s Leandra Little’s pass was intercepted by Hanson on the halfway line.

She set Hayles free on the break and Hayles played an inch perfect ball through to Follis who slid her finish past the sprawling Flaherty.

United nearly hit back when Aimee Palmer’s free-kick found the head of Naomi Hartley who headed over from inside the six-yard box.

Sam Tierney’s cross hit the crossbar for the Blades in the final minutes but it was Villa who took their chance and stretched their lead to six points over their hosts.

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