'Fantastic achievement' - Gary Bennett, Stephen Elliott and Danny Collins react to Sunderland star's milestone

Lady Black Cats captain Keira Ramshaw reached the landmark last night in a 6-1 win against Middlesbrough Women in the FAWNL, netting a goal in the process.

The achievement marks a decade of ups and downs for the 26-year-old Millfield-born attacking midfielder, with the footballing world paying tribute to her loyalty.

Scroll down to see the messages players, fans and pundits had for the Sunderland Ladies star:

Ex-striker Stephen Elliott said: “Congratulations Keira on achieving this great milestone in the famous red and white. Hopefully, there’s many more to come.”

His former teammate Danny Collins said: “Congratulations to Sunderland Ladies captain Keira Ramshaw on reaching 200 appearances for the Black Cats, a great achievement and hopefully many more to follow.”

Club legend Gary Bennett added: “I would like to congratulate Keira on her 200th appearance for Sunderland. An excellent player and a fantastic achievement, good luck for the rest of the season and I hope you achieve your target of promotion this season.”

Ramshaw’s teammate Megan Beer said: “Congratulations on your 200th appearance, it’s been a pleasure to witness! Long may it continue!”

BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes alsopaid tribute: “Keira, it’s fantastic to reach the milestone of 200 appearances! Congratulations and good luck for the next 200!!”

Lady Black Cats goalkeeper Claudia Moan said: “A big congratulations to Keira on her 200th appearance for Sunderland, a great captain and player, fully deserved!”

And the Echo’s chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith had this to say: “To make 200 appearances for any team is an incredible achievement, but to be there for the club you love, through the good and the difficult times, is another entirely. The best is surely yet to come and no one will deserve it more.”

Sunderland Ladies defender Charlotte Potts commented: “Keira’s love for Sunderland is infectious. It’s had a huge part to play in making me enjoy football again, I’m so grateful for that and would like to wish her a huge congratulations.”

On the club’s website, manager Mel Reay said this of her captain: “To reach 200 appearances at such a modest age shows she’s been at the core everything the club has done over the last decade. Congratulations Kiera, and here’s to 200 more.”

Stephen Goldsmith, a founder of the Wise Men Say Podcast, said: “I would like to wish Keira Ramshaw a massive congratulations on 200 appearances for Sunderland, a true Mackem great amongst many famous names to come through the ranks.”

Newcastle United Women’s player and friend Courtney Lock added her own message: “Congratulations on making your 200th appearance for the club you’ve always supported.

“I’m glad all that free-kick practice on the field came into good use and hopefully for many more years to come.

“You’re a true professional, leader and role model on and off the pitch, for kids progressing into the women’s game, and there is still much more to come from you, keep being you, good luck for the rest of the season & make sure you lift that trophy.”

Paul Dobson of the A Love Supreme fanzine added: “Having spent her entire career at Sunderland since making her debut a decade ago, local girl Keira has shown great loyalty to the club. All at A Love Supreme wish Keira all the best for her landmark appearance, and for a continuing career in the famous stripes.”

Andrew Hird, chair of the Red and White Army fan collective, said: “Keira has been a fantastic servant to the club and I’d like to pass on my congratulations for her 200th appearance against Middlesbrough. A fantastic achievement and we’re looking forward to seeing many more for Sunderland AFC Ladies.”

Sunderland fansite Roker Report tweeted: “Everyone at Roker Report would like to say a big congratulations to captain Keira Ramshaw on her 200th appearance for the Lasses.”

Avid Sunderland fan Ian Todd explained: “Having followed Keira from her early years in the team it has been a pleasure to witness her continuing development in skill and maturity. She deserves the heartiest congratulations of all Sunderland Ladies fans on reaching the benchmark of 200 appearances in the shirt she wears with such pride.”

Black Cats supporter Graeme Field said: “Congratulations. What a brilliant achievement. A fantastic leader and someone who young players look up to.”

Sunderland fan Darren Walkinshaw added: “Keira, Congratulations on this awesome milestone. You epitomise what it is to lead by example, what it means to be loyal to the club, what it is to be Sunderland skipper. Here's to the next 200.”

Sunderland Ladies’ media manager Mark Craggs explained: “Keira is everything the club is about, development, commitment and team spirit. She's the nicest person you could hope to work with and has been a great help and supporter of me during my time at the club! I can't think of anyone more deserving to reach this great milestone!”

On Twitter, Colin Lock wrote: “I count myself so lucky to have followed your career for over 17 years from the back lane, SAFC24/7, Chester Athletic, Tyneside Girls and Sunderland Ladies. You are not just a brilliant footballer, you are a lovely person too.”

Finally, Chris Fryatt said: “Congratulations to Keys on making her 200th appearance for Sunderland AFC Ladies. It's great to see a local lass reach such an impressive milestone for the club and hopefully, there are many more appearances to come!”