Katie Kitching the Sunderland hero as SAFC Women beat Newcastle United
Sunderland secured their first Tyne-Wear derby victory since Newcastle United’s promotion in 2024, writes Harvey Hinkler.
Sunderland Women secured their first Tyne-Wear derby victory since Newcastle United’s promotion in 2024 thanks to a second half Katie Kitching goal on Sunday afternoon.
The New Zealand midfielder’s third in all competitions this season proved to be the difference at the Gateshead International Stadium, while a Noa Schumacher penalty save from Martha Thomas ensured Sunderland secured all three points in the Subway Players’ Cup. Mel Reay made nine changes from the Black Cats’ last league outing against Leicester City, with Chloe Paxton and Kitching the only players to retain their places. The changes saw WSL loanees Ria Bose and Lily Dent awarded their first starts while Brianna Westrup claimed the armband. It was an open start to the derby as Thomas flashed across goal moments before Natasha Fenton saw a shot blocked at the other end.
The resulting corner was cleared and Newcastle were on the break. Beth Lumsden set Jordan Nobbs away and Schumacher did well to close the space and make a crucial save. Sunderland were well organised as the half grew, and the defenders were on hand to clean up anytime Newcastle did break through. A brilliant tackle from Westrup prevented Thomas from shooting inside the area. The visitors always looked more likely on the break and a chance went begging 33 minutes in as Emily Scarr drove forward. The striker had runners either side and didn’t make her mind up in time, ultimately passing out of play.
A double change at the break saw Katy Watson and Sanni Franssi enter the game and the ever-dangerous Watson made an instant impact. Bose drove down the left before setting Watson away and the winger beat her marker before cutting back for Kitching to finish first time and give Sunderland the lead. Sunderland’s bright start to the half continued as Mary Corbyn found Kitching in space, but the Kiwi international couldn’t trouble Kayla Rendall on this occasion.
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Despite being under the cosh, Newcastle were gifted a route back into the game. Nobbs was upended in the area by Schumacher and the referee awarded a penalty. The American keeper made amends, though as she guessed correctly and produced a strong save to deny Thomas from 12 yards. Sunderland were keen to take the game away from their rivals and almost did through Corbyn’s powerful hit from distance. Manchester United loanee Rendall did well to get a hand to the effort and push over.
Frustrated grumbles were filling the International Stadium as Newcastle struggled to break down a stubborn Sunderland defence and they conceded yet another chance as a combination of Marissa Sheva and Elise Hughes couldn’t provide a finishing touch.
Moments later a Freya Gregory cross almost caught Schumacher out at the near-post as the tension grew. Newcastle pushed but Sunderland were resolute and held on for a famous derby day victory.
Newcastle United: Rendell, Wardlow, Nobbs, Purfield, Lambert (McGovern 59), Antonsdóttir (Gregory 60), Thomas, Bradley (Joel 81), Mannion, Lumsden (Kiernan 67), McLaughlan.
Unused: Tamminen, Németh, Sevenius, Evans, Gale.
Sunderland: Schumacher, Bose, Corbyn, Scarr (Hughes 81), Kitching (Missipo 70), Fenton, Dent (Franssi 46), Sheva, Westrup, Paxton, Parker (Watson 46).
Unused: Stenson, Bourne, Brown, Cassap, Laplacette.
Goals: SAFC: Kitching 49’