The first ever meeting between the region’s top ladies teams was marked with a minute silence in honour of Ian Porterfield before kick off. Sunderland welcomed back Natalie Gutteridge while the home side included 6 former Sunderland players.
Free scoring Newcastle started brightly and put the visitors under intense pressure and only some fine goalkeeping by Helen Alderson prevented them taking the lead. However, they did make the breakthrough after 26 minutes when former Sunderland forward Michaela Carter capitalised on a hesitant defence to go clear and drive the ball into the roof of the net. Sunderland began to come into the game and came close as Sarah Danby, Jess and Jade Clark and then Rachel Lee all saw shots go narrowly wide.
13th September
Derby Delight! . . . Newcastle Utd 1 vs 2 Sunderland Ladies
The half closed on an even tempo but Newcastle almost extended their lead as Alderson produced a fine double save to deny former striker Mel Reay. HT…. Newcastle Utd Ladies 1 vs 0 Sunderland Ladies The visitors brought on Gemma Wilson to shore up midfield and they began the second half with much more purpose. Sunderland’s play brought a deserved equaliser on 52 minutes when Jess Havelock smashed a superb free kick over the wall and into the roof of the net. Newcastle were running out of ideas as Sunderland grew stronger and dominated all over the pitch. However, the game was marred on the hour mark with a serious injury to Newcastle’s Hutchinson who was taken to hospital as the game was held up for 25 minutes. The enforced break did not disturb Sunderland’s rhythm as they pushed for a winner. On 68 minutes Sunderland were awarded a free kick 35 yards out. Skipper Steph Bannon drove the ball goal ward and the flight deceived everyone as it travelled into the net, although Wilson must take some credit for distracting the defence. Newcastle had a late flurry but Sunderland held firm to take first blood in the north east derby.
There were some fine performances, particularly in the second half. Bannon, Unwin and Holmes shone in defence while up front Danby never stopped running. The large crowd were treated to a fine advert for women’s football as both teams played their part in this blood and thunder match.
Delighted boss Mick Mulhern said “we showed a lot of character tonight, we weathered the early storm and showed belief. To come back after being a goal down and win in this fashion made me really proud.”
Sunderland….Alderson, Unwin, Bannon, Jade Clark, Holmes, Jess Clark, Fry(Wilson), Lee, Havelock, Gutteridge(Bentley), Danby. Subs not used…. Laws, Garrett, Booth.
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