Lasses Preview: Can the pride of Wearside gatecrash Palace's parade at Selhurst Park?

28/04/2024 07:00

Mel Reay's side make the trip to London today to face champions-elect Crystal Palace in the final game of the season. Ollie Burns looks head to the season finale!

Sunderland Women are in London today, for the final game of the Women's Championship season at Crystal Palace, and after suffering a defeat to Charlton last time out, the Lasses are now out of the title race.

Mathematically, Charlton could still do it, but that would require a Palace loss at the minimum, and for the Addicks to beat Southampton 22-0, so it's unlikely!

In her press conference, Mel Reay expressed pride at the team's performances this year but also reflected on last Sunday's match and the need for improvement.

The team is focused on keeping a clean sheet so that Claudia Moan, crowned 'player of the season' by the Sunderland Women's Supporter's Group, will win the Golden Glove award.

The reverse fixture against Palace in September ended in a 1-1 draw, with a Brianna Westrup goal in the ninetieth minute.

Mollie Rouse didn't play for the Lasses against Charlton and may be a doubt for today's fixture. Otherwise, a fully fit squad is expected to be available.

Palace's Elise Hughes, the league's top scorer, ruptured her ACL against Lewes and is unable to play against us.

Our hosts also have an unfortunate habit of dropping points against top sides this season, having lost to Charlton twice, Southampton once and drawn against ourselves. That said, they've won their last four games in impressive fashion, with eleven goals scored and only one conceded.

Should the Lasses win and Charlton lose or draw to Southampton, we'll finish second in the table, and if Sunderland and Charlton both win, the Lasses will finish third.

Conversely, if Sunderland draw or lose and Charlton lose, we'll finish fourth with Southampton taking third place.

Regardless of our final position, the team has performed magnificently and have established a strong foundation for future promotion. The continued success of the youth sides and the expectation of this summer's transfer window mean that we can expect the team to grow in strength.

Haway the Lasses!