Sunderland Ladies reach FAWNL League Cup final after hard-fought win over Southampton Women

Charlotte Potts made sure of the victory after 56 minutes following a terrific corner from in-form attacking midfielder Georgia Gibson.

The game started at a quick tempo, but the opening quarter of the game saw little goalmouth action.

On 25 minutes, Claudia Moan produced a fantastic reaction save to divert Pusey’s volley round the post to prevent Southampton from taking the lead before tipping Panting’s goal-bound effort on to the bar.

Skipper Keira Ramshaw had Sunderland’s first real chance of the game just after the half hour mark but her effort was held by Rendell in the Southampton goal.

The hosts almost went ahead on the stroke of half time when Herron forced Rendell into another good save to ensure that a lively first half ended in a stalemate.

After starting the second half on the front foot, Sunderland took the lead after Gibson picked out Potts who emphatically headed the Lasses ahead.

On 66 minutes, the hosts really should have doubled their lead when Rendell spilled the ball to the feet of McCatty, but she could only stab her effort against the post from close range.

The visitors almost levelled the scoring on 70 minutes when Pusey’s looping effort dipped just wide of the Sunderland goal.

Southampton piled on the pressure during the final 20 minutes, but the Sunderland defence held firm and saw the game out in a professional manner to secure their place in the League Cup final.

The final will be played on 19 April against Stoke City Women who defeated MK Dons in their semi final last weekend.

The venue for the final and ticket information for will be announced by the FA in due course.

Sunderland: Moan, Herron, Potts, Griffiths, Ramshaw ©, Lambert, Galloway, Gibson, Beer, McCatty, Farrugia (Barker.)

Subs Not Used: Cowling, Mallen, Warren.

Southampton: Rendell, E Morris, Whitton (Sienwright), Parenell, Freeland (Aublery), Williams, Pusey, C Morris, Ware (Phardah), Panting, Evans.

Sub Not Used: Woods.