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Moriah McIntosh’s goal proved not enough as Sheffield FC Women were relegated with a 3-1 defeat to Sporting Khalsa at The Home of Football.

McIntosh nodded home the equaliser on 16 minutes for the perfect response after Laura Smith lashed the visitors ahead inside 60 seconds. 

Club continued to push but couldn’t find the golden touch as Jacey Haynes raced through and saw her poked effort kept out by Natalie Hall before Ania Denham restored the advantage for the visitors at the break. 

Despite a spirited second-half for Club, it was over when Maja Szymkowiak lobbed Leah Kellogg to make it three and confirm our relegation. 

A big day started with Club battling from behind inside the first minute as the ball found its way through to Laura Smith on the edge of the box to fire into the top corner.

Sheffield came into the game unbeaten in their last three and that mentality showed when Pip Cassidy’s inch-perfect cross found McIntosh who headed home for 1-1.

The goal gave the hosts new life as they sprung forwards again. This time through Jacey Haynes whose poked effort was tipped wide on 26 minutes. 

But the away side came back with the pressure as Kellogg stood tall to keep out a low effort from Isabelle Austin-Short.

A positive first half from Sheffield ended with them behind again when Ania Denham turned in a corner from a few yards to make it 2-1 to Khalsa.

Club continued to battle away after the break with Kellogg in action again to deny Layla Kennerley on 72 minutes. The hosts then clicked into gear within seconds as some neat play between McIntosh, Sami Brooks and Stacey Buxton ended with the latter’s effort sailing just wide.

That chance proved to be Club’s best of the second half as the points were sealed with five to play when Szymkowiak caught Kellogg off her line with a lob from distance.

Sheffield gave their best in the closing stages but it wasn’t to be as defeat confirms Club’s relegation from the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands. 

 Written by Jayden Burte-Williams