Sheffield United women all but secured their status as a Championship team by picking up two wins in their last two fixtures.
This week the team secured six points in their matches against Watford and Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane.
Wednesday marked the first time that the team played a midweek fixture at home since turning professional in July.
The club has committed to ensure that all home league games are played at Bramall Lane and said the transition is vital to inspire the younger generation to get involved in women’s football.
Bex Rayner, who marked her 100th appearance for The Blades on Wednesday, said: “It’s all about the next generation and I try to do everything I can to inspire them. One of the fans earlier said one day I’ll be playing with you, and it made me so proud because when I was younger I didn’t have that.”
Midweek games mean children can attend straight after school and many could be seen in uniform or wearing the classic red and white stripes.
As a commitment to the growth of women’s football, the players warmed up in Her Game Too shirts, as the team marked their one-year partnership with the campaign earlier this month.
The club said: “The representation of women and girls at our matches is one of the key areas that we are concentrating our efforts and we’ve monitored, with great interest, the rise and great work of #HerGameToo and are proud to partner with such a fantastic organisation.”
Defender Charlotte Newsham said: “We all knew it was a big game going into it. it was important for us to get the three points today. It was a long time coming but I think we deserved it.”
The 1-0 win against Watford and the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday means the team have four games to secure one more point to ensure their safety from relegation.
