Sunderland travelled to Farsley on Thursday night to take on unbeaten Leeds Carnegie Ladies in the Women's National Premier League.
In a keenly contested game they recovered well from the setback of going behind to earn a hard fought 2-1 victory.
Sunderland welcomed Gemma Wilson back to the heart of the defence as they hoped to bounce back from defeat at the weekend. The game started brightly with both teams pushing forward confidently and testing the opposition defence. Leeds’ Ellen White struck the post from a Jess Clark cross, followed by action at the other end when a low Natalie Gutteridge drive was tipped around the post by former Sunderland goalkeeper Carly Telford.
Leeds Carnegie took the lead on 25 minutes after an unfortunate mix up between Abby Holmes and Rachael Laws left Jess Clark with a simple tap in.
The visitors were not disheartened by this and were soon pressing forward. A clever through ball by Sophie Williams on 40 minutes, left Gutteridge clear on goal, only to be thwarted once again by Telford. However, Sunderland equalized from the resulting corner which was headed home by skipper Stephanie Bannon to record her first goal of the season.
HT...Leeds Carnegie Ladies 1 Vs 1 Sunderland Ladies
Sunderland began the second half strongly, however neither side created many clear chances. Brave defending combined with persistent pressure prevented Leeds from getting into any real rhythm. Both sides came close from a series of set plays but respective defences held firm. The moment of the match came on sixty five minutes from seemingly nowhere, as a searching long ball from the back brought a spectacular half volley from Sunderland forward Sophie Williams, who sent the ball screaming into the net from over thirty yards. Leeds were shocked into action and began to press the visitors, introducing several substitutions to increase their attacking options. Clark, White and Sue Smith were denied while Gutteridge, Jordan Nobbs and Kelly McDougall responded for the Wearsiders. Leeds pushed forward at every opportunity, however the Black Cats defended valiantly and ran out worthy winners from what was a very well contested match.
FT...Leeds Carnegie Ladies 1 Vs 2 Sunderland Ladies
Sunderland...Laws,
Holmes, Bannon, Wilson, Devine, Stokes, Staniforth, Nobbs, McDougall, Williams, Gutteridge.
Subs (not used)... Greenwell , Halliday,
Unwin, Clark, Salicki
