Sunderland began in determined fashion, as Lucy Staniforth crossed from the right for a Natalie Gutteridge shot to be turned behind for a corner. Staniforth again fed Sophie Williams who turned well but her shot was beaten out. A miskick by visiting keeper Rachel Simpkin let in Demi Stokes but her shot was scrambled clear. Then Vicky Greenwell broke down the left and crossed for Gutteridge to chest down but Emma Jones’ brilliant tackle stopped a certain goal. Great play between Greenwell and Kelly McDougall released Williams, only to see her goal-bound shot blocked by Corrine Yorston. A Kerry Bartlett effort went narrowly wide for the visitors, before home keeper Helen Alderson turned Justine Lorton’s free kick wide of the post. Bristol took the lead on 23 minutes from the resulting corner, as Gwen Harries’ wind assisted in-swinger, went directly into the goal.  This seemed to take the wind out of their sails and Sunderland were stunned as the visitors doubled their lead after 31 minutes, from a well placed Harries’ free kick.

HT... Sunderland Ladies 0 – 2 Bristol Academy Ladies

The second half began with Jordan Nobbs playing in Gutteridge but her shot was blocked, then McDougall set Williams away but her effort went just wide. A McDougall volley was well saved by Simpkin before Sunderland were awarded a penalty on 61 minutes for handball. McDougall stepped up but put her spot kick wide of the post. A Steph Bannon free kick caused havoc in the visiting defence as Yorston cleared for a corner. The Wearsiders pressure finally paid off on 66 minutes when Staniforth broke clear only to see her shot beaten out by Simpkin but Stokes followed up to powerfully drive into the net. Two minutes later they were level, Nobbs brought the ball through the middle before releasing Williams on the left to beat the keeper from the edge of the box. Sunderland pushed for the winner as efforts from McDougall, Williams and Lucy Bronze went close but the game was destined for extra time.

FT... Sunderland Ladies 2 – 2 Bristol Academy Ladies

Sunderland continued to ask all the questions in extra time and they got their reward after 112 minutes of play.  Nobbs won the ball in the middle and played in McDougall who fed Williams on the left and the striker turned on the edge of the box to sublimely chip the ball over keeper Simpkin to give the Wearsiders the lead, their play deserved and send the large crowd into rapturous celebrations. Sunderland didn’t hold back and Sarah Danby was unlucky to see her “goal” chalked off for offside. The home side were not to be denied as they hit their fourth in injury time. McDougall broke clear before setting Danby free on the left, she held off her marker and drove the ball goalward but Simpkin saved well, however Bronze ghosted in at the far post to calmly steer her header into the roof of the net and send Sunderland into the Semi Finals.   

FINAL... Sunderland Ladies 4 – 2 Bristol Academy Ladies (after extra time)

Sunderland...Alderson, Holmes (Wilson), Bannon, Bronze, Greenwell, Staniforth, McDougall, Nobbs, Stokes, Gutteridge (Danby), Williams.   Subs (not used)..Laws, O’Brien, Devine.

A delighted boss Mick Mulhern said after the game...”This result was positive in so many ways. We beat a good, well established National League team and we did it in style. Although we were 2-0 down we responded to the half time chat in the perfect way. From a psychological point of view the girls should now know they are ready to go into the top league and compete. Hopefully we can kick on from this in the league. We have had some great players in the past but this is the best team we have ever had, the future should definitely be bright for Sunderland.”