Sunderland went clear at the top of the Women’s National Premier League with a convincing victory over visitors Watford, after
coming from behind, at the Hetton Centre on Sunday.
Despite a tiring midweek encounter the home side began very brightly and had early efforts from Natalie Gutteridge and Lucy Staniforth beaten away. But against the run of play Watford took a 19th minute lead following some sloppy play in the home defence. The ball was played from keeper Rachael Laws along the back four with Watford pressing until it was finally given away to Katie Owen who had a clear run on goal to score unchallenged. Sunderland continued to push forward and only desperate defending prevented Sophie Williams levelling the scores following great work by Abby Holmes and Staniforth.The Wearsiders did find the net after 30 minutes however, Kelly McDougall, Staniforth and Williams combined well to set Demi Stokes free on the left. She turned her defender well before going around Keeper Marie Hourihan to score from an acute angle.
It was all Sunderland at this stage but Watford sounded a warning when Bingham’s long range effort came back off the bar following
a quick break down the left. Williams turned quickly to bring a smart save from Hourihan and Jordan Nobbs had an effort scrambled
away before the home side grabbed a second goal just before the break. Staniforth and Gutteridge linked well and as the ball broke
forward Williams outpaced defender and keeper to slot the ball home.
HT...Sunderland Ladies 2 vs 1 Watford
Ladies
Sunderland began the second half facing a strong wind which had picked up noticeably and was causing some problems. Watford
enjoyed a lot of early possession and a free kick in a dangerous position went narrowly over before a Kate Longhurst shot was cleared.
Sunderland began to take control again as Stokes just failed to make contact with a Staniforth cross and Williams pulled her shot
wide after going clear. The third goal was not long delayed however, as great play down the left from Stokes, in the 71st minute,
resulted in Gutteridge bravely forcing the ball home when under pressure from Hourihan, Barratt and Nicholson. The game was made safe
just four minutes later when Williams’ strong run down the left was halted as she was brought down on left edge of the box. Staniforth’s
free kick found Bannon at the back post who cleverly squeezed the ball past a despairing Hourihan.
It is the first time in their
history that Sunderland have topped the National Premier League in their own right and, although the league’s “usual suspects” have
games in hand, it is an achievement that should be recognised and celebrated as once again the crowd who braved the elements
were rewarded with a skilful, entertaining performance and plenty of goals.
FT...Sunderland Ladies 4 vs 1 Watford Ladies
Sunderland...Laws, Holmes, Bannon, Wilson, Devine, Staniforth, Nobbs, McDougall, Stokes, Williams, Gutteridge.
Subs (not used)...Salicki, Atkinson, Halliday, Frazer.