Furness Rescues Newcastle in Dramatic Stoppage Time Draw Against Sheffield United.

With a stoppage time goal from Rachel Furness taking the lead away from Sheffield United at home, the Championship fixture was full of action. Taking place at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United Women took on Newcastle United Women, having the lead over the visitors until the dying seconds. 

Shot for FootieFusion by @snapsbycharr

The home side lined up with Sian Rogers in goal, followed by Leanne Cowan, Issy Hobson and captain Satara Murray at the back. Eva Butler, Jade Bailey, Olivia Page and Fallon Connolly-Jackson were in midfield, with Monique Robinson, Jacqui Hand and Maria Farrugia up front.

The visitors had a 4-2-3-1 formation, which was different to Sheffield’s 3-4-3. Claudia Moan was in goal, Demi Stokes, Charlotte Wardlaw, Hannah Greenwood and Lia Cataldo were at the back, Hannah Greenwood stepping in at the last minute for Deanna Cooper, who pulled out of the starting line up during warm up. Captain Amber Keegan Stobbs was in the middle alongside Jasmine McQuade, and Isabella Sibley, Katie Barker and Lois Joel lined up in front. Shania Hayles was the main striker. 

Newcastle United dominated possession throughout the game, with a total of 21 shots, 9 of them on target. A few early shots came from the visitors, but none successful, with Sheffield United’s Sian Rogers made some massive saves to stop Newcastle from scoring. Claudia Moan didn't need to make as many saves, with Sheffield United having just 5 shots and 1 on target. 

Sheffield went 1-0 up after an unfortunate move from Newcastle's newbie Charlotte Wardlaw saw Claudia Moan miss the back pass, putting Sheffield in front. 

Newcastle refused to give up, and finally got their reward in added time, with defensive midfielder Rachel Furness scoring a header, putting the scoreline up to 1-1. 

The game saw debuts for many players, including Charlotte Wardlaw, formerly of Chelsea and more recently from a loan at Sheffield United, Issy Hobson, on loan to Sheffield United from Everton, and Poppy Pritchard of Manchester City, who is on loan to Newcastle after her loan at Crystal Palace was terminated. 

Newcastle United are currently in 7th place in the Women’s Championship table, while Sheffield United sit in 10th, just above Portsmouth, who they share the risk of relegation with.