League Cup Champions 2012

27/05/12
By NERWFL

HULL CITY WOMENS FC 1 v 4 SHEFFIELD UTD COMMUNITY LADIES

Match report

Hull settled into their stride the quickest in this meeting of the top two sides in the division, and soon had an early chance to take the lead only to see the ball drift wide of the far post. However, on 15 minutes following a clearance from the Hull keeper, Sian Bentley found herself one on one with the United keeper and kept her composure to guide the ball into the goal. Hull at this point were well in control and should have extended their lead when Frankie Waller, having rounded the keeper, had an open goal but the angle proved too tight and she could only find the side netting.
This was the wake up call Sheffield needed, and they started to play the football that has seen them come within a point of the league title, and on 25 minutes Cheryl Mawhood got the equaliser. Hull however continued playing the better football and again came close to taking a lead with chance after chance being squandered. Sheffield struck a killer blow on the stroke of half time when Jen Pearson netted to go into the break 2-1 up.
Sheffield manager Steve Ahmed read his team the riot act at half time and although Sheffield came out for the second half fired up, it was City who again created the better chances, and looked likely to get an equaliser although again unable to finish. Sheffield kept to their game plan and eventually on 55mins got the third goal when Mawhood scored her second of the afternoon. With Hull now having to really go for it and pushing forward at every opportunity, it was inevitable that Sheffield would catch them on the break and on 78mins Amy Buzzeo put the tie beyond doubt with Sheffields fourth.
Hull can take a lot of pride from their performance, and the 4-1 score line doesnt tell the whole story. Hull had the lions share of the game especially in the first half and probably created more chances. However the strength and power of the Premier Division champions elect was eventually just too much on the day and Sheffield ran out deserved winners.