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Sheffield FC Women’s final game of 2023 ended in defeat as they were beaten 3-0 by Sutton Coldfield Women at the Home of Football.

A frustrating day for Club saw their best chance come early on as Indiana Totty saw her shot tipped away by visiting keeper Neve Jones inside two minutes. 

The away side then went ahead six minutes later through Chloe Handy who tapped in from close range before Lois Jefferies’ clipped pass found Jordan Atkin to slot home for a 2-0 half-time lead.

Sheffield’s day was compounded as Sutton Coldfield wrapped up the points with a third on 70 minutes when Jefferies whipped in a low cross for Handy to tap home her second.

It was a first home game in charge for manager Nick Buxton who saw his side push early on as Totty was denied after firing a low shot at goal. That set the tone for an open contest as Club allowed Liv Woolston in behind, firing wide to Leah Kellogg’s relief on six minutes.

Sutton Coldfield did manage to go ahead though as Handy arrived on cue to finish off a patient passing move from close range for 1-0.

Despite falling behind, Sheffield continued to take the game to the visitors with Tilly Hallas-Potts heading wide from an inviting Totty corner on 34 minutes. 

Ava Butler then saw her dinked effort cleared off the line moments later before Totty’s effort from distance landed into the palms of Jones. The ball just wouldn’t fall for Club who fell further behind when Atkin tucked home Jefferies’ lofted through ball for 2-0 on 41 minutes.

Louisa Anderson came on for the injured Brooke Smith at the break but it was more of the same as Kellogg stood tall to deny Woolston from firing in a third for the away side. A spell of pressure soon came for the home side with Butler’s powerful effort from close range tipped away before substitute Sami Brooks saw her shot fly high and wide on 66 minutes.

But the points were sealed by Sutton Coldfield with 20 to play when Jefferies teed up Handey to tap in at the far post for her second of the afternoon. 

Club gave their all in the final stages but it wasn’t to be as they hope to turn around their fortunes in the reverse fixture after the new year.

Written by Jayden Burte-Williams