Karen Hills: Charlton Women deserved a point at Sheffield United

Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic played out a tense 0-0 draw as both sides walked away with a point at the Technique Stadium.

In an FA Women’s Championship game where defences were on top, both sides had to rely on one or two good chances apiece as both looked to end a run of games without a win.

The visitors started slightly the better of the two sides but couldn’t overly test the returning Fran Kitching and when they did defender Charlotte Newsham denied Megan Wynne an almost certain goal.

The Blades grew into the game and had chances to go in front when Emily Syme saw an effort saved from the edge of the box before Courtney Sweetman-Kirk fired an effort straight at Eartha Cumings after running on to Lucy Watson’s low cross.

It was more of the same after the break but the hosts started to take the initiative as the second half wore on.

Maddy Cusack saw a free-kick saved before Watson had the best chance of the match, pinching the ball back high up the pitch but sending her effort over the bar when through on the Charlton goal.

Both sides gave it everything to win it late on before the full-time whistle went as the visitors managed to deny United after a dangerous stoppage time free-kick into the box.

Charlton manager Karen Hills: “I’m pleased with a point and with the performance. Coming here is always a tough ask, they’ve had a similar few weeks and results to us. Anyone could have had it there at the end but the girls worked hard for the point.

“We handled the game in a positive manner. It got a bit frantic at times but we handled it well, the players will keep learning and we get better week in, week out. The girls worked really hard today and deserved the point.”

To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.thefa.com