11th October
Last minute winner . . . Sunderland Women 2 - 1 Newcastle United Ladies
News
Sunderland Ladies bounced back from the disappointment of the weekend to again take the honours by a familiar score line against local rivals Newcastle Ladies at the Hetton Centre last night. With the game delicately poised and entering injury time Gemma Wilson surged through midfield to set Steph O’Brien free to powerfully slot home the winner and spark wild celebrations among players and fans.
The game began however with Newcastle pushing forward at every opportunity and their play was rewarded in the 10th minute when Stacy Crooks volleyed home following slack marking in the home defence. The visitors dominance continued and only a fine save from keeper Helen Alderson prevented former striker Mel Reay from increasing the lead after 14 minutes. Sunderland suffered a double blow on 18 minutes when Crann and Gutteridge both limped out of the game. The home side equalised however after 21 minutes from their first real threat. O’Brien sent in a vicious in-swinging corner for Sarah Danby to glide home a well directed header. This visibly lifted Sunderland who began to move the ball well and they created the better chances as the half drew to an end with Jess Clarke, Danby and O’Brien all going close.
HT…. Sunderland Ladies 1 vs 1 Newcastle Utd Ladies.
The second period became a midfield battle with several chances created at either end. O’Brien shot straight at the keeper while Reay headed wide from a good position for the visitors. Sunderland had a scare on the hour mark when a Sarah Bennett shot came back off the bar and Reay could only push the rebound wide. Four minutes later it was the home side who struck the woodwork when a thunderous drive by Jess Clarke came back off a post. The introduction of Havelock midway through the half increased Sunderland’s attacking options as her clever wing play created numerous chances. Danby, Lee, Wilson and O’Brien went close before a Bannon free kick into the visiting penalty area caused panic as the ball was scrambled clear. With the game looking like ending all square O’Brien sent the large crowd home happy with her last gasp winner which gave Sunderland the double over their Tyneside neighbours.
FT,,,, Sunderland Ladies 2 vs 1 Newcastle Utd Ladies
A delighted boss Mick Mulhern said, “We were slow out of the blocks and had to change things early on through injuries. However, we weathered the storm and grew stronger as the game wore on. We kept the ball and passed it well when it mattered. I am delighted for my players.”
Sunderland …… Alderson, Crann(Fry), Bannon, Jade Clarke, Booth(Havelock), O’Brien, Lee, Wilson, Holmes, Gutteridge(Jess Clarke), Danby.
HT…. Sunderland Ladies 1 vs 1 Newcastle Utd Ladies.
The second period became a midfield battle with several chances created at either end. O’Brien shot straight at the keeper while Reay headed wide from a good position for the visitors. Sunderland had a scare on the hour mark when a Sarah Bennett shot came back off the bar and Reay could only push the rebound wide. Four minutes later it was the home side who struck the woodwork when a thunderous drive by Jess Clarke came back off a post. The introduction of Havelock midway through the half increased Sunderland’s attacking options as her clever wing play created numerous chances. Danby, Lee, Wilson and O’Brien went close before a Bannon free kick into the visiting penalty area caused panic as the ball was scrambled clear. With the game looking like ending all square O’Brien sent the large crowd home happy with her last gasp winner which gave Sunderland the double over their Tyneside neighbours.
FT,,,, Sunderland Ladies 2 vs 1 Newcastle Utd Ladies
A delighted boss Mick Mulhern said, “We were slow out of the blocks and had to change things early on through injuries. However, we weathered the storm and grew stronger as the game wore on. We kept the ball and passed it well when it mattered. I am delighted for my players.”
Sunderland …… Alderson, Crann(Fry), Bannon, Jade Clarke, Booth(Havelock), O’Brien, Lee, Wilson, Holmes, Gutteridge(Jess Clarke), Danby.
