In their final game of the season, Sunderland were looking to bounce back from a poor run of form that saw them draw once and loose twice in their previous three games. In ideal playing conditions at Leyburn Grove, both sides were competing to win the midfield battle as chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges of play. Neither keeper was being seriously extended however, but it was Sunderland who almost  took the lead on 30 minutes when Charlotte Proud saw her shot well saved. Liverpool broke the deadlock on 33 minutes, when a defence mix up allowed Liverpool the opportunity to beat Katie Luther from 15 yards. Sunderland pressed for an equaliser and some good dead ball delivery from Jane Riddell caused problems for the Liverpool defence but Sunderland were unable to capitalise on some hesitant defending.

HT.... Sunderland Res 0 Liverpool Res 1

With the second half underway, Sunderland fell further behind when an innocuous looking delivery from a Liverpool free kick eluded Katie Luther to give the visitors a second goal on 50 minutes. Sunderland fell further behind within 3 minutes when a defensive mix up saw Liverpool with an easy tap in to an unguarded Sunderland goal. Sunderland continued to press however, and they forced an opening for Laura Hockaday who lobbed over the bar when well placed. Hockaday went close again moments later but this time her shot was saved by the Liverpool keeper. Jane Riddell's late burst forward saw her shot hit the target but lacked the power to trouble the Liverpool goal, and the game ended with the visitors taking the points in a 3-0 win.

FT.... Sunderland res 0 Liverpool Res 3

Team: Luther, Coyle, Riddell, Venison, Halliday (Beer), Unwin, Caldwell, Round, Proud, Hockaday, Olley

Match Report - Trevor Atkinson