Match report: Sunderland AFC (W) 1-0 Sheffield United (W): Women’s League Cup

Chloe Paxton scored the only goal of the game with 64’ minutes played.

Sunderland Women went into this game 14th in the league phase. The lasses enjoyed derby day success against Newcastle United last time out in the competition. Sheffield United were 20th with one point in three matches.

Sunderland started brightly and had an opportunity to take the lead as Marissa Sheva raced through after a great pass from Rio Bose, however Sheva’s effort was smartly saved by Sophie Hillyerd.

Sheffield United weathered the early storm and looked to take the lead. Ava Baker’s free kick delivery caused chaos inside the area – the ball deflected to the top of the crossbar.

Katy Watson was a constant threat down the Sunderland right – her dangerous cutback found Elise Hughes but her effort was deflected narrowly wide.

Katie Kitching came close on multiple occasions to opening the scoring with three fantastic opportunities as the half drew to a close.

Half-time: SAFC (W) 0-0 Sheffield United (W)

The start of the second half followed a similar pattern with the lasses dominant, but lacking clinical edge.

Kitching found herself unmarked at the back-post on a long throw – her close range attempt was remarkably saved by Hillyerd. Kitching was unmarked in the box but her effort struck the crossbar and bounced onto the goal line.

Hughes was expertly played through one on one by Kitching but she was denied by Hillyerd again, who had a great performance.

The deadlock was finally broken just after the hour mark as a Chloe Paxton headed home – the lasses took a deserved lead.

Sheva came close to adding a second as her chipped effort narrowly went over the Sheffield United crossbar.

Kassandra Missipo came agonisingly close to getting on the scoresheet as her strike evaded the top right corner.

Full time: SAFC (W) 1-0 Sheffield United (W)

Sunderland (W) make the short journey to face Durham (W) in the River-Wear Derby next Sunday in WSL 2 action.