A deflected Tara Bourne header earned Sheffield United the spoils in a 1-0 defeat for the Golden Girls at Bramall Lane.

The corner, turned in by Lucía León after 10 minutes in Yorkshire, was the difference in an otherwise even Championship contest.

Substitute Annie Rossiter’s powerful effort was the Hornets’ best of the game, leaving Matt Bevans’ side unable to extend their win streak to three.

Lewes are up next on Sunday [March 17, 2pm KO] as the Golden Girls seek a way out of relegation trouble.

Playing their first competitive fixture in six weeks, Watford started slowly against the Blades but enjoyed the first sight of goal when Carly Johns diverted a Coral Haines cross just over the bar.

Left to rue the missed chance, Sheffield United took the lead two minutes later when an inswinging corner was met by a Bourne header, bouncing off León and past Sophie Harris.

It took some time for the visitors to regain a foothold in the contest, next going close through Ellie Head. It was Haines again with the delivery, with the header rattling the crossbar from close range.

A second half sparse of chances sprung into life for the final 15 minutes, with the hosts looking to solidify their lead as Watford pushed for an equaliser.

León couldn’t connect with a corner and the ball eventually fell to Rossiter on the edge of the box, but the Blades stood firm to deflect the low shot away from danger.

Seeking counter attacks to double their lead, Isobel Goodwin was sent through on goal one minute later, only for Sophie McLean’s last-ditch challenge to prevent a strike.

Ultimately unable to find the crucial goal, the Hornets suffered their first league defeat since January, and will look to respond against second-bottom Lewes on Sunday at The Dripping Pan.