Top two clash in Women’s Championship as Sheffield United host Durham

The top two in the Women’s Championship go head-to-head at the Technique Stadium in Chesterfield as league leaders Durham Women travel to face Sheffield United Women on Women’s Football Weekend.

Durham’s lead at the top of the table is only one point, with Sheffield United, Liverpool and Leicester all joint on 14 points from seven games, waiting to pounce if the Wildcats slip up.

Lee Sanders’ side are the only remaining unbeaten team in the division coming into the game, but their hosts have lost just one this campaign, a 1-0 loss at Liverpool last weekend. Durham also looked to be heading for a 1-0 defeat last weekend against Charlton Athletic, but Bridget Galloway popped up with a late equaliser to earn a point and move Durham top of the league.

Between them, these two sides have the top three goal scorers in the division. Durham’s Beth Hepple leads the way on seven goals, but Sheffield United duo Katie Wilkinson and Mel Johnson are just behind her.

The Blades have both the best defensive and scoring records in the division, with 16 goals scored and only four conceded. Durham’s defence has a similar record, having only conceded five, but the Wildcats have only the fourth-best scoring record, with 12 goals so far.

Away from the league, the two sides met at the same ground in the Continental Tyres Cup just 11 days before this fixture, with Durham pulling off a stunning 6-0 win with goals from Kathryn Hill, Nicki Gears, Emily Roberts, Sarah Robson, Bridget Galloway and Molly Sharpe.

Durham’s away form in the league has seen them record one win and two draws from three matches which on paper is not the strongest, although it is misleading with the draws coming against title challengers Liverpool and Leicester.

Sheffield United meanwhile are unbeaten at home, with two wins and two draws from four matches. The wins against Crystal Palace and London Bees, the draws against Lewes and Leicester.

Neil Redfearn’s side will be keen for revenge after the heavy loss earlier in the month, especially in the knowledge that his side could replace Durham at the top with a victory, depending on results elsewhere.

Liverpool or Leicester could also end the day top of the table with a Sheffield United win, depending on the score. Sheffield United are currently only above Liverpool on goal difference, but there would need to be a four-goal swing in Liverpool’s favour, which is possible but unlikely. Even more unlikely would be Leicester ending the day top of the league, with a seven-goal swing needed.

A Durham win would keep Lee Sanders’ side top of the table, but a draw opens up top spot for Liverpool or Leicester if either can claim victory in their games against Blackburn Rovers and Coventry United.

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