Lewes boss delighted as clean sheet blunts the Blades

The Blades did most of the attacking but were continuously frustrated by a side who have created a knack for defending solidly under pressure from their opponents.

During the first half, the hosts had to largely rely on shots from distance, Rhema Lord-Mears twice taking aim while Jade Pennock saw an effort deflected behind.

At the other end, Lewes were lively on the break but couldn’t overly trouble Fran Kitching in the United goal.

United stepped it up a gear after the break but never managed to find the breakthrough. Pennock went closest on the hour mark when her fierce volley was palmed over by Tatiana Saunders.

The last 20 minutes saw the hosts lay siege to the Lewes goal, with Mel Johnson and substitute Courtney Sweetman-Kirk both seeing efforts blocked.

Veatriki Sarri fired just wide while Pennock and Maddy Cusack both saw efforts go just over the bar, and despite a succession of late corners and free-kicks, Lewes held on for a valuable point.

Lewes manager Simon Parker said: “We are really proud of the team this weekend. We were up against one of the most prolific strike-forces in the league but we kept calm and steady. We had a few good opportunities in the first half and we showed real resilience and grit in the second.

“A fantastic point to get on the road away to a very good team.”

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Lewes (4-4-2): Tatiana Saunders; Sam Quayle, Rhian Cleverly, Sophie O’Rourke; Danielle Lane, Filippa Savva, Ellie Leek, Megan Mackey; Georgia Timms, Katie Rood

Substitutes: Ellie Noble for Savva 75, Simran Jhamat for Rood 79, Emily Donovan for Leek 79, Ellie Hack for Mackey 86

Substitutes not used: Laura Hartley, Charley Boswell, Georgia Griffin

Referee: Simon Simpson