Sunderland Ladies took on local side Durham Women FC at Ferens Park last night, in the first round of the Continental Cup.
After an outstanding victory against league leaders Chelsea, Sunderland coach Carlton Fairweather decided to rest 5 players.
The first half finished 0-0 with both teams having their chances, Abbey Joice being the main problem to Durham, powering up the left wing. Durham had a ball cleared from the Sunderland line a header from Beth Hepple was blocked by Steph Bannon.
As the second half got under way it was Sunderland that started to show there standard, going at Durham.
Deep in the second half Fairweather made the changes, Brooke Chaplen and Beth Mead coming on and dominating the Durham defence, Mead creating the first Sunderland goal drifting passed two defenders with the help of Chaplen for Keira Ramshaw to smash it into the top corner.
Abby Holmes was outstanding at the back, making some fantastic defensive blocks, driving runs with excellent ball control the whole game. Sarah McFadden bossed the midfield winning everything in the air, and showing her strength and great control right throughout.
The second goal of the game came Durham’s way as a scramble in the box from a corner, for Sarah Wilson eventually poking the ball into the Sunderland goal.
Second half substitute Brooke Chaplen caused Durham big problems, taking some long range driving shots, which tested Durham keeper Anne Moorhouse. The Durham keeper had made a great save earlier on, from a one on one against Sunderland striker Beth Mead.
Sunderland continued with the attack up until the dying minutes of the game, a corner from Victoria Greenwell curved beautifully into the box only for Moorhouse to palm the ball in to her own goal.
Sunderland’s next fixture is away against Bristol this Saturday.