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Graham Abercrombie marked his return as Sheffield FC Women's Manager with a win that saw them regain top spot in the East Midlands Premier Division, as they ran out 1-0 winners over incumbent leaders Mansfield Town, in an entertaining battle at R&H Academy.

A much-changed Club side saw their plans put into disarray in the first couple of minutes, as defender Natasha Wood had to leave the pitch after an early challenge, that saw the Sheffield player retire with an eye injury.

It was a tight gritty battle between two very good sides, with both doing their utmost to try and find their openings, however chances were few and far between.

The visitors had the first real chance, as Nicole Cooper's cross picked out Tilly Hallas-Potts, with keeper Amy Price doing well to block the effort.

For Mansfield Olivia Standeven had the best chance, however her effort was only half hit, giving Eleanor Sharpe an easy job of gathering the ball.

In the second half the game opened up considerably, with Millie Edwards shooting wide of the target five minutes after the restart, after a swift break from a Sheffield corner.

Moments later Club took the lead, a long ball at the back caused confusion between the home keeper and her defenders, allowing Halima Essa to nip in between and poke the ball just enough to trickle over the line.

Mansfield really should have equalised midway through the half, Ava Williamson picking out Gabi Foulkes in acres of space in the Sheffield area, only to see her effort bravely blocked by Sharpe.

Club managed to keep control of the game and thought they had made it safe with ten to go, as substitute Lucy Cook's cross was nodded home by Sami Brooks, only for the Assistant Referee to wave it offside.

Mansfield Town: 13 Amy Price, 2 Maia Taylor, 4 Chloe Hutsby ©, 6 Georgina Clements, 7 Millie Edwards, 8 Gabriella Foulkes, 10 Grace Shipman, 14 Ava Williamson, 15 Chloe Foster, 16 Libby Bartlett, 18 Olivia Standeven.

Subs: 5 Monica Bowley, 9 Olivia Wheatcroft, 11 Amy Pashley, 12 Charlotte Tate, 20 Erin James.

Sheffield FC: 1 Ellie Sharpe, 4 Nicole Kemp ©, 5 Louisa Anderson, 6 Tilly Hallas-Potts, 7 Sami Brooks, 10 Sadie Smith, 15 Natasha Wood, 17 Brooke Smith, 18 Halima Essa, 19 Nicole Cooper, 21 Jacey Haynes.

Subs: 2 Pip Cassidy, 3 Eden Hinchliffe, 9 Amy Nelson, 11 Lucy Cook, 14 Caitlyn Douglas.

Referee: Andy Mead

Attendance: 53