13th January 2008
Cup Exit! Sunderland 1 - 4 Birmingham City
News
Sunderland Ladies failed in their bid to progress to the 5th round of the FA Cup against Birmingham Ladies at Filtrona Park, South Shields yesterday. They went down 4-1 to the national premier league side but fought all the way before falling to two late goals.
Sunderland striker Natalie Gutteridge had failed to recover from a knee injury and they were under early pressure as Birmingham started brightly and took the lead on 13 mins through Jemma Butler. The home side tried to get back into the game as Rachel Lee, Sarah Danby and Emma Bentley went close but it still needed a good clearance by Steph Bannon to prevent the visitors increasing their lead. Sunderland were enjoying much of the possession but were finding it difficult to break down their opponents.
Sunderland striker Natalie Gutteridge had failed to recover from a knee injury and they were under early pressure as Birmingham started brightly and took the lead on 13 mins through Jemma Butler. The home side tried to get back into the game as Rachel Lee, Sarah Danby and Emma Bentley went close but it still needed a good clearance by Steph Bannon to prevent the visitors increasing their lead. Sunderland were enjoying much of the possession but were finding it difficult to break down their opponents.
HT…. Sunderland WFC 0 vs Birmingham City Ladies 1
The second half began with Sunderland pressing hard for the equalizer as Nicola Devine, Steph O’Brien and Sarah Danby again went close. Birmingham were proving dangerous on the break and keeper Helen Alderson had to be at her best to deny Weston. The visitors increased their lead on 76 mins with a great strike from Becky Hall. Sunderland continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Lucy Bronze drove home to give some hope. However just over a minute later Birmingham scored their third goal following Chelsea Weston’s powerful free kick which resulted in home keeper Alderson going to hospital with two dislocated fingers. O’Brien took over in goal before Birmingham scored a fourth deep into injury time through Laura Bassett. Sunderland’s young team could not be faulted for effort against the Premier League side.
They had much of the play but the visitors had the guile and experience when it counted. The scoreline does not reflect the pattern of play although Birmingham possibly just deserved the victory.
FT…. Sunderland WFC 1 vs Birmingham City Ladies 4
Team . . . Alderson (Unwin), Fry, Wilson, Bannon, Holmes, O'Brien, Lee, Bronze, Devine (Burnip), Bentley (Jess Clark) Danby Subs . . . Stokes, Jade Clark
The Reserves meanwhile, won Linclon City 4 - 2 with goals from Jane Riddell (2), Natalie Garrett and Jess Havelock.
NORTHERN DIVISION RESULTS:
Lincoln City 3-0 Crewe Alexandra
Manchester City 1-5 Rotherham United
Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Newcastle United
The second half began with Sunderland pressing hard for the equalizer as Nicola Devine, Steph O’Brien and Sarah Danby again went close. Birmingham were proving dangerous on the break and keeper Helen Alderson had to be at her best to deny Weston. The visitors increased their lead on 76 mins with a great strike from Becky Hall. Sunderland continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Lucy Bronze drove home to give some hope. However just over a minute later Birmingham scored their third goal following Chelsea Weston’s powerful free kick which resulted in home keeper Alderson going to hospital with two dislocated fingers. O’Brien took over in goal before Birmingham scored a fourth deep into injury time through Laura Bassett. Sunderland’s young team could not be faulted for effort against the Premier League side.
They had much of the play but the visitors had the guile and experience when it counted. The scoreline does not reflect the pattern of play although Birmingham possibly just deserved the victory.
FT…. Sunderland WFC 1 vs Birmingham City Ladies 4
Team . . . Alderson (Unwin), Fry, Wilson, Bannon, Holmes, O'Brien, Lee, Bronze, Devine (Burnip), Bentley (Jess Clark) Danby Subs . . . Stokes, Jade Clark
The Reserves meanwhile, won Linclon City 4 - 2 with goals from Jane Riddell (2), Natalie Garrett and Jess Havelock.
NORTHERN DIVISION RESULTS:
Lincoln City 3-0 Crewe Alexandra
Manchester City 1-5 Rotherham United
Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Newcastle United
