KATIE Wilkinson's early goal was enough for Saints FC Women to see off Sheffield United 1-0 - a result that lifted them to third in the Championship table.

Wilkinson steered home Sophia Pharoah's cross to get Saints off to the perfect start at Bramall Lane.

The visitors then defended diligently throughout the rest of the game as they restricted the Blades to very few opportunities.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side are now only two points behind leaders Charlton Athletic in a fascinating promotion race.

Kayla Rendell, Milly Mott, Atlanta Primus, and Wilkinson all came into the side that lost 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in the Continental Cup on Thursday.

Saints came flying out of the blocks and thought they had taken the lead when Wilkinson set up Lucia Kendall - but the goal was ruled out for offside.

They were not to be denied on 11 minutes, though, as Pharoah's ball across was calmly tucked away by Wilkinson.

The goalscorer was looking dangerous for Saints and she went close to doubling the advantage soon after but her curling effort went narrowly wide.

Sheffield United had rarely threatened in the first half but they did almost grab an equaliser on the stroke of half time when Isobel Goodwin's low strike went just passed the upright.

Wilkinson nearly made it 2-0 midway through the second half when her driving run to the edge of the penalty area ended with her strike being comfortably held by Fran Stenson.

In added time, Tara Bourne went close to earning the Blades a point but she could only prod her effort over the bar.

Spacey-Cale's side managed to hold on to secure a vital three points in a tight promotion race at the top of the Championship.

They are next in action on Sunday, February 4 when they welcome Crystal Palace to St Mary's.

Sheffield United: Stenson; Docherty (Sigsworth, 67), Graham, Bourne, Connolly-Jackson (Butler, 82); Barker, A Brown (Rayner, 53), R Brown; Kinzett, Haywood (Hodson, 67), Goodwin

Unused Subs: May, Wilcock, Muir, Davies, Edwards

Booked: Connolly-Jackson, Sigsworth

Saints: Rendell; Mott, Rafferty, Peake; Collett, Kendall, Primus, Purfield; Pike, Pharoah (Lloyd-Smith, 75), Wilkinson

Unused Subs: Haaland, Howard, Milne, Watts, Hotston, Nohasiarisoa

Goals: Wilkinson 11’