Despite a bright opening the Wearsiders were undone by some clinical finishing by last season�s Super League runners up. Birmingham, fielding a side bursting with internationals, scored 3 three quick fire first half goals and never gave their stunned opponents a way back.

After a tentative opening and some even exchanges with early chances for Sunderland�s Beth Mead and Birmingham�s Jo Potter the game burst into life midway through the first half. As Birmingham pressed forward a Rachel William�s cross was fired against the post by Jodie Taylor but Kerys Harrop was on hand to score from close in. Moments later the home side doubled their lead as Karen Carney played in Taylor who turned well to fire home a low drive. Sunderland were stunned and had hardly gathered themselves before Birmingham struck again as Harrop grabbed her second of the game to virtually kill the game.

HT... Birmingham City LFC 3  vs  0  Sunderland WFC

Sunderland began the second half brightly as Kelly McDougall played in Mead but her effort was well saved by Spencer. Birmingham broke quickly and Eniola Aluko fired into the side netting. Rachel Furness went close with a powerful header from a McDougall corner which again was well held by Spencer. Mead was then played in by Ramshaw but the ball was scrambled clear. Sunderland were finding it difficult to break down a resolute Birmingham defence and the game was made safe for the home side after 83 minutes when Aluko broke away and calmly rounded Laws to score from an acute angle.

FT... Birmingham City LFC 4  vs  0  Sunderland WFC

Manager Mick Mulhern spoke after the game..."We started slowly and were punished with three quick goals.  Birmingham are a very strong side so we can hold our heads high.  I�m proud of the girls as they tried to battle their way back into the game, but they were just too strong."

Sunderland...Laws, Christon, Bannon, Wilson, Greenwell, Lee, McDougall, Furness, Mead, Williams(Devine), Gutteridge(Ramshaw).