14th October
Victory in 7 goal thriller . . . Preston North End 3 - 4 Sunderland Women
News
Sunderland travelled to Preston North End in the FA Premier League Cup, but were caught cold in the 2nd minute, when a Preston corner was only partially cleared to McCrea on the edge of the box, who drilled the ball into the roof of the net. The visitors were struggling to keep possession and chances were falling the way of the home side. Goalkeeper Helen Alderson, had to be alert on 15 minutes to punch clear a corner which set up Sunderland’s first attack, which came to nothing. Preston were awarded a 22nd minute penalty after Fry had handled a goal attempt in the area. Alderson however, pulled off a great save going down smartly to her right. This lifted Sunderland, who at last began to find their rhythm. There were few clear chances for the remainder of the half, although a Danby shot struck the post and Lee came close when heading just over the Preston bar.
HT…. Preston North End Ladies 1 vs 0 Sunderland
HT…. Preston North End Ladies 1 vs 0 Sunderland
Sunderland replaced Jade Clarke, who picked up a hamstring injury, with her sister Jess after halftime. Almost immediately Sarah Dandy saw her volley tipped over the bar, but from the resulting corner Preston broke clear to extend their lead. A long clearance from the home defence found the speedy McCrea who raced clear to score her second of the game. This stung Sunderland into action and they began playing their best football of the game. This was rewarded after 49 minutes when Danby, chasing a long ball, closed down the keeper who could only blast the ball against the Sunderland striker who gained possession before calmly slotting the ball home. The visitors continued to dominate and were level after 57 minutes. A brilliant move down the left saw crisp passes exchanged between Booth, O’Brien and Holmes before the ball was whipped in for Jess Clarke to slide home at the far post. Four minutes later Sunderland took the lead following another flowing move. Fine play between Bentley and O’Brien saw the ball break to Danby who from outside the box cut inside to send a curling shot beyond the keeper. As the visitors looked to push on they were again caught on the break following a corner. The ball was swept out of defence for Dransfield to storm clear and slot home Preston’s equaliser in the 62nd minute. Sunderland were not to be denied though as Danby capped a fine performance by completing her hat trick with just 8 minutes left. Wilson headed clear for Clarke to play a long ball through the home defence and the chasing Danby capitalised on hesitant play between keeper and defender to nip between them both and score the visitors 4th of the game. In the final minute Lee saw a thunderous drive come back off the bar as Sunderland saw out the game to progress into the Quarter Final stages.
FT…. Preston North End Ladies 3 vs 4 Sunderland
Manager Mick Mulhern was delighted …”Once again we were slow to get going and gave them 2 goals start. But we showed great character to come back and thoroughly deserved our victory."
Sunderland….. Alderson, Fry, Bannon, Jade Clarke(Jess Clarke), Booth, O’Brien, Lee, Wilson, Holmes(Havelock), Bentley, Danby. Sub not used… Unwin
FT…. Preston North End Ladies 3 vs 4 Sunderland
Manager Mick Mulhern was delighted …”Once again we were slow to get going and gave them 2 goals start. But we showed great character to come back and thoroughly deserved our victory."
Sunderland….. Alderson, Fry, Bannon, Jade Clarke(Jess Clarke), Booth, O’Brien, Lee, Wilson, Holmes(Havelock), Bentley, Danby. Sub not used… Unwin
