Sunderland Ladies SEVEN points off top following late West Brom defeat as club makes welcome announcement

How the action unfolded between Sunderland and West Brom

Hannah Baines opened the scoring from a corner in the 71st minute, before Holly Manders levelled the scores just minutes later. Keeley Davies netted a late winner for the home side.

Having defeated Sheffield FC last weekend, Mel Reay made the big call to drop forward Eve Blakely, restoring defender Faye Mullen to the side in her place – a move which pushed midfielder Maria Farrugia into a striking role.

And it took just two minutes for the visitors to threaten after Emily Scarr’s whipped corner found Keira Ramshaw at the back post, whose effort was narrowly wide.

Three minutes after the half-time interval, Farrugia found Ramshaw on the edge of the area, but her goalward shot proved a routine save for Scarlett Field.

However, with 20 minutes to play, disaster struck for Sunderland after Baines broke the deadlock from a well-worked corner.

It only took five minutes for the Black Cats to equalise, Manders heading home the leveller from a corner. Ramshaw rattled post moments later.

But it was to be late heartbreak as the Lasses conceeded in the 88th minute, Davies handing the home side the win.

The result leaves Sunderland Ladies seven points behind FAWNL pace-setters AFC Fylde and Huddersfield Town, who sit in first and second place respectively.

Club to enhance coverage of Sunderland Ladies

In the lead up to the game, Sunderland’s media department confirmed added coverage of its Ladies team – both on safc.com and the club’s social platforms.

“As many of you will have seen, we have revamped our @SAFCLadies digital output this week,” explained Oscar Chamberlain. “This has included plenty of extra editorial and social media content, with enhanced video coverage, including highlights, starting today. #SAFC”

News of a highlights package came as music to the ears of Sunderland Ladies supporters, who have been prevented from watching their team at home due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Ladies fan Jon Hume welcomed the announcement on Twitter, stating: “Small steps and at long last in the right direction so thank you from me! Look forward to seeing the video coverage,” whilst Graeme Field added: “Thank you.”