Sunderland Women fell to a second successive defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with the Black Cats conceding late in a 1-0 defeat in front of a record crowd at St. James’ Park.
Some 38,502 fans turned out to set a new high watermark for a Women’s Championship gate, smashing the record previously set in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season.
Mel Reay’s side struggled to make their mark on a tense contest on Tyneside, and were ultimately undone by a 78th minute strike from Newcastle substitute Shania Hayles. That goal was enough to seal a second consecutive victory for the Magpies over their local rivals, with Becky Langley’s squad having also taken three points on Wearside back in October.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, Newcastle started the game brighter, going close through Beth Lumsden during the early exchanges. The Magpies would spend much of the first half searching in vain for an opener, while for their part, Sunderland defended well, but were limited to fleeting opportunities, largely against the run of play.
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The game resumed in much the same pattern after the interval, and Newcastle’s pressure would eventually pay off with 12 minutes left on the clock as striker Emily Murphy played through Hayles, who slotted away her chance assuredly.
Here, Jason Jones rates each Sunderland player as the Black Cats took on Newcastle United in the Women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon:
9. Katie Kitching - 6
Tracked well down the right flank when needed, but never really found her rhythm on the front foot. | Getty Images
10. Emily Scarr - 6
Went close with an effort from distance early on. Showed flashes of promise but found it difficult to carve out any real opening. Replaced by Mary McAteer. | Getty Images
11. Katy Watson
Always a willing outlet, if a little isolated in the early stages. Had her first real opening on the hour mark, but could only put it over the top. Applied herself well in thankless conditions. Replaced by Libbi McInnes. | Getty Images
12. Libbi McInnes
Showed some bright moments, but failed to make much of an impact. | Getty Images