Sunderland Ladies enjoyed the best possible result in the biggest game in their history. They comprehensively disposed of high flying Chelsea at The Stadium of Light on Sunday to take their place in the final of the Women’s FA Cup.
The final score line of 3-0
was fully justified as the young Wearsiders romped to victory against the illustrious Londoners.
A great one two between Bronze and Gutteridge forced Chelsea keeper Siobhan Chamberlain into the games first meaningful save after
15 minutes. Five minutes later Sanderson went clear for the visitors but Helen Alderson came out to smother the danger. A powerful
run from Bronze set Sunderland away and Jordan Nobbs‘ strike just cleared the bar. Steph Bannon’s free kick caused panic in the visitors
defence but Gutteridge’s header was collected by Chamberlain. On the half hour Kelly McDougall received the ball from a Gutteridge
flick but her shot was just off target. Fine inter play between Sanderson, Jane and Edwards was broken up by Bannon and comfortably
collected by Alderson. Drama in the final minute of the first half saw McDougall shoot narrowly wide before Rafferty’s shot come cross
clipped the bar at the other end. HT... Sunderland WFC 0 vs 0 Chelsea LFC
Chelsea began the second
half in determined fashion as they pushed forward but Bannon and Wilson stood firm in the centre of defence. Vicky Greenwell brought
the ball out of defence and set up Gutteridge who beat Chamberlain from close in but the effort was disallowed for offside. A
Bannon free kick again caused problems for Chelsea but Gutteridge just failed to connect. Sanderson went clear on 60 minutes but Wilson’s
brilliant tackle averted the danger. Moments later Sanderson went through on goal again but Alderson made a brave save at her feet
as she shaped to strike. The Chelsea goal led a charmed life on 66 minutes as Nobbs, Gutteridge and Bronze had efforts beaten away
and Sunderland began to take control. The breakthrough came after 72 minutes when the Wearsiders were awarded a free kick in a central
position just outside the box. McDougall’s brilliant strike hit the post and rolled along the line for Gutteridge to react first and
touch it home. The visitors were forced to push forward and gaps began to appear in their defence as Sunderland’s confidence grew.
Gutteridge turned brilliantly in the box but her shot went narrowly wide. The home side extended their lead after 81 minutes when
Stokes chased the ball down the left and crossed perfectly for Williams to force the ball home at the far post. Staniforth turned
her marker to set up Nobbs but her shot went just wide. As the game moved into stoppage time Sunderland scored a third. Bronze brought
the ball out of defence and fed Nobbs who played in Williams and although she was tackled she got up to retrieve the ball and cleverly
chip the stranded Chamberlain in the Chelsea goal to send over one thousand spectators at the Stadium of Light delirious and cap an
astonishing performance. FT... Sunderland WFC 3 vs 0 Chelsea LFC
Sunderland....Alderson, Bronze, Bannon,
Wilson. Greenwell, Stokes, McDougall, Nobbs, Staniforth, Gutteridge, Williams.
Subs... Laws, Holmes, Danby, Devine, O’Brien.
A jubilant Boss Mick Mulhern spoke after the game.... ”The performance was fantastic. From back to front everyone did their job and
then a bit more. To beat a team of Chelsea’s standing is a marvellous achievement and I’m extremely proud of my team.”
Sunderland will face holders Arsenal in the final on May 4th at Derby County's Pride Park Ground.