Sunderland stretched their lead at the top of the Women’s Premier League Northern Division to four points, with a hard earned 1–0 victory against Manchester City on Sunday.
The game began in blustery conditions and Sunderland got off to the perfect start as their first real attack brought a goal. Vicky Greenwell brought the ball out of defence and played in Steph O’Brien who fed Natalie Gutteridge to unleash a shot from 20 yards. The flight of the ball deceived keeper Worrell as it flew into the net. City came back strongly but found the home side difficult to break down. A great interception by O’Brien set up Nicola Devine on the left to cross for Gutteridge but the ball was cleared. The visitors went close on 17 mins as Johnston went clear on goal only for Helen Alderson to make a great stop. Although the game was proving scrappy both sides were creating chances with Gutteridge, O’Brien and Sophie Williams going close for Sunderland while Johnston and Penney had efforts beaten away for the visitors.
On the half hour mark a well flighted free kick by Steph Bannon was headed towards goal by Gutteridge and somehow the ball was scrambled away. Fine work down the left by Williams set up Demi Stokes to beat two defenders but her shot was well saved by Worrell.
HT... Sunderland Ladies 1 vs 0 Manchester City Ladies
Sunderland almost increased their lead four mins into the second half, as a left wing corner by Stokes was headed powerfully towards goal by Gemma Wilson but Worrell made a fine save. On 52 mins a strong run down the left by Williams saw her cross to Gutteridge who struck goal ward for Worrell to fumble then recover well to keep the ball out. Abby Holmes then brought the ball forward and set Stokes up to go past her marker and fire narrowly wide. City almost drew level on the hour following a thunderous free kick by Farrell which brought a spectacular save from Keeper Alderson. After 73 mins, Stokes cut inside and slipped the ball through for Danby who broke clear only to see her shot lift just over the bar. As the home side continued to push forward they were almost caught on the break as Penney went clear but she was again thwarted by Alderson. In the closing stages Sunderland went close through O’Brien, Danby and Kelly McDougall. As the final whistle blew the three points were welcome against a well organised City side, who came to play football and fully justified their position among the league’s front runners.
FT... Sunderland Ladies 1 vs 0 Manchester City Ladies
Manager Mick Mulhern spoke after the game, “We knew we would be in for a tough game against a team who are near the top and gave them the respect they deserved. We were very solid defensively although the conditions did cause problems. We created chances but just didn’t put them away. Overall we have to be satisfied with a positive result that gives us a bit of daylight at the top.”
Sunderland... Alderson, Holmes, Bannon, Wilson, Greenwell, Stokes, O’Brien, McDougall, Devine(Danby), Gutteridge, Williams(Atkinson).....subs (not used) – Laws, Fletcher, Unwin
The Reserves cup game
against Nottingham Forest Reserves, was postponed.
