MATCH REPORT: Rotherham United Women 2-2 Sheffield FC

There were two doses of late drama at Roundwood as Rotherham United Women rescued a point, threatened to throw it away again and then were thrown a lifeline by an injury time penalty miss.

A step-up in performance level saw the Millers more than matching Sheffield FC – relegated from the National League in the spring – for long periods and good value for being all square at half-time.

The world’s oldest club had taken a very early lead thanks to a lob from the left by Eden Hinchcliffe but Rotherham had responded well, putting together slick passing moves and seeking to exploit the skill and pace of wingers Alesha Gale and Sophie Gordon.

A defence marshalled by captain Lori-Anne Tart kept chances to a minimum, two Amys – Dawson and Nowell – held firm in midfield and striker Delia Hurdiss ran the central channel with energy, commitment and the odd nutmeg or three.

Milly Colford drew a fine save from Sheffield keeper Leah Kellogg with a volley which needed tipping over the bar, while Hurdiss was denied by a goal-line clearance.

Gale brought the Millers level after 20 minutes, racing onto a lofted ball from Tart, taking a touch and slotting home coolly.

Sheffield weren’t without their chances and Katrina Parsons in the Millers goal was called into action to pull off a series of fine saves.

The visitors made changes at the interval and it was one of the incoming players who put them in front again.

Despite her claims to the contrary later on social media, Amy Nelson’s “shot” into the far corner from wide on the right appeared more of a cross. Nonetheless, it restored Sheffield’s lead.

The setback briefly took the wind out of Rotherham’s sails and while they rarely looked likely to concede again, it took the introduction of Jess Jones, Erren Davies and Amanda Millar to put Sheffield firmly onto the back foot.

Just as time appeared to be running out, a speedy run by Millar forced a corner on the right and when the cross was floated in, a pressurised Sheffield defender headed past her own keeper.

A lifeline indeed, but no more than the Millers deserved.

It was one they almost cast away, however. Deep into stoppage time, Amy Nowell was adjudged to have handled and the referee indicated a third Roundwood penalty in two matches.

Too the relief of almost all among the healthy midweek crowd at Roundwood, Sheffield’s Sadie Smith cleared the bar with her spot kick, sparking relief and joy in the Millers’ ranks.

The resulting draw was the least Rotherham deserved for a much improved display compared to the previous game against Chesterfield.

It is with confidence rebooted that they go into Sunday afternoon’s clash with Stamford at Roundwood (2pm kick-off).

Spectators will be keen to avoid any more heart-stopping moments and happily settle for a comfortable home win.