Women's football news
Lewes FC Women v Sheffield United Women
The Dripping Pan, Mountfield Road, Lewes
Doors: 11:30
Kick-off: 13:00
PLEASE NOTE EARLIER THAN USUSAL KICK OFF TIME.
Lewes will host Sheffield United for the first time in their history this Sunday. Fran Alonso’s side will be looking to build on yet another strong performance, a 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa, last weekend. Read Adam Stenning’s match report here.
Fran himself was delighted with the response of his players.
“It was very positive for us to come back from 2-0 down and get a point in injury time. It shows we are mentally stronger. We didn’t play our best in spite of dominating possession (55% over 90 minutes). Another good lesson for us.”
“On Sunday we face a team in fantastic form. They won the last 5 matches, including against Tottenham and Durham, both away. It will be a tough game but we have been improving week by week, all the aspects of our game. We look forward to test ourselves against a very good side. We are 4 points off 6th place and only 3 behind Leicester in 8th. We must try to finish higher than our current 9th position. That’s not bad in our first season at this level.”
Looking forward to Sunday’s match, Fran and the players can’t wait for another home match.
“We hope to see a big crowd on our last home match of the season, to help us get the three points.”
Fran is also looking forward to honouring the Under 16 side. The treble-winning team will perform a lap of honour at the Dripping Pan on Sunday. There will also be a number of other Sussex girls’ teams taking well-earned applause for their efforts this season.
Blades manager Carla Ward was named FA Women’s Championship manage of the month for March. She was typically quick to praise her players.
“A few months ago, we set targets as to what we wanted to achieve in the final games of the season. To get nine points from nine has been excellent, and it’s a credit to the group because they’ve been outstanding.
“I’m delighted to collect the award on behalf of the squad and the whole club – it is a team effort. Hopefully we can take our March form into the remainder of the campaign.”
United have certainly done exactly that, winning five matches on the bounce including a fine 4-1 win against London Bees last time out after a stunning 1-2 victory away at Durham.
We’ve Met Before…
Fair to say Ward’s charges have improved considerably since their thrilling 3-2 win against Lewes in Sheffield earlier in the season. Indeed both sides have strengthened their squads since that encounter. Most notably the Rooks had no permanent manager that day, having parted company with John Donoghue. New man Fran Alonso has seen his influence bring his team improved performances and results in recent weeks.
A fine display against promotion-chasing Durham and that thrilling late draw against Villa followed back-to-back wins at home to Millwall (2-0) and away to Crystal Palace (0-3).
Eyes on …
United have proven to be a strong squad over the season, but if we were to pick out a couple of players to look out for, one would have to be Ebony Salmon. One of three players on loan from Champions Manchester United Women, Salmon has been an ever-present for the Blades since she arrived. She has a keen eye for goal, is powerful, quick and will shoot on sight. If things are tight in the later stages, keep a close eye on number 4 Jade Pennock. Pennock, who joined United from Donny Belles, has a habit of grabbing late goals in matches and has hit the match-winner three times in her last five games.
Adults £8
Concessions £4
Kids U16 go FREE