FOLLIS EXTENDS VILLA LEAD AT TOP OF THE TABLE

SHEFFIELD UNITED 0 ASTON VILLA 1
THE FA WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP
12 JANUARY 2020 --- 2PM

EMMA FOLLIS VILLA GOAL SCORER TAKES A FIRST HALF CORNER

Emma Follis swept home the only goal of the game for Villa early in the second half to double their previous three point lead against a Sheffield United side who would have gone top if they could have found a victory from this top of the table clash.
After heavy overnight rain and a morning splashing about in The Chesterfield and District Sunday Football League the option of this game came as a pleasant one after seeing The Blades take on Coventry United in The Continental Cup a few weeks earlier in a entertaining affair this one would pit second against first respectively.
There was no time to visit the KFC outside so after meeting Mr R of Platform One again we opted for two drinks and one double Yorkie for £6.20 let the cash registers roll, non league would have covered two substantial outings to the snack bar for this but hey ho.  Last time out the programme was poor and although this time double the effort it was still £2 and a much better read.

UNITED HAVE AN EARLY ATTACK REPELLED BY THE VILLA DEFENCE

Chesterfield and their home ground of The Proact offers a smart venue and with crowds rising by the week for The Blades its creating a good atmosphere for the players and today 1,157 were in attendance to support both sides including a section of Mollie Green fans who is on loan until the end of the season from Manchester United, she would come on to make her debut as a second half substitute.
Quick look at the action and after an enterprising start the second period of the opening half drifted away with both sides effectively cancelling one another out and probably a little frightened of making a costly mistake in such an important game.  The standout moment came when Follis struck the cross bar with a twenty five yard free kick but both sides went into the break level.

MOLLIE GREEN ON SHEFF UTD DEBUT FROM MANCHESTER UNITED

Maddy Cusack was involved early for The Blades but just off target and then the deciding moment of the game on 57 minutes provided the only goal of the match Shania Hayles hurtling down the right played in for Follis to fire home neatly.  However from a position in line with the final pass I'm afraid it was a missed offside, adjudged by all spectators in this part of the stand, by the dug out side assistant referee who was trailing play by some yards and was a bit of shame this would be the goal to decide the game much as it was a lovely move though.
Carly Ward made changes for United in the remaining minutes but even with top scorer Katie Wilkinson brought into the fray they could not find a breakthrough against a resolute Villa defence.  Sam Tierney hit the bar in the closing stages but much as their efforts and build up play deserved an equaliser they just could not find that final touch which remained elusive.
Once again a tremendous advert for the women's game with a superb amount of skill, determination and fitness on show from both sides as it looks like Aston Villa will march on to the league title now but Sheffield United should remain upbeat after an excellent showing that pushed the leaders all the way.  Looking forward to the next chance to take in a game at this level its certainly proving and entertaining set up and has an increasingly appreciative fan base.