Lasses Report: Sunderland Fall Short in River Wear Derby Against Durham

12/12/2024 18:39

Durham inflicted a second defeat of the season in the League Cup for Sunderland, dumping them out of the competition.

The Lasses hoped to build on their emphatic 4-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield as they hosted local rivals Durham at Eppleton. However, Sunderland Head Coach Mel Reay made nine changes to the starting XI, with only Natasha Fenton and Emily Scarr retaining their spots from the weekend victory.

Grace McCatty returned from retirement to lead a defensive line featuring Megan Beer, Ella West, and Mary Corbyn. Keira Flannery, Ellen Jones, and Katy Watson were also handed starts in a reshuffled squad.

The game began frantically. Sunderland almost struck in the opening seconds when Katy Watson burst through on goal, only for Durham's goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders to smother the ball at her feet. Moments later, Durham capitalised. A long-range pass from Sarah Wilson found Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, who lobbed Megan Borthwick to give the visitors a 1-0 lead just 41 seconds in.

Sunderland responded with intensity. Emily Scarr and Megan Beer delivered dangerous crosses, keeping the pressure on Durham's defence. Five minutes in, Jenna Dear played a perfect through ball to Watson, who smashed it into the bottom corner to level the score.

The drama continued as Durham nearly regained the lead immediately. Kaila Novak appealed for a penalty after a clash with Megan Beer, but the referee waved play on. Tempers flared, with Durham's Abby Holmes narrowly avoiding a yellow card for a late challenge on Borthwick.

Sunderland pressed for another goal. Ellen Jones forced a fingertip save from Saunders, while Keira Flannery saw her shot sail over the bar. Durham countered, with Holmes firing into the side netting and Ryan-Doyle denied by a brilliant Borthwick save. Despite Sunderland's inexperienced left side being targeted, Mary Corbyn stood firm in defence.

The first half ended with Sunderland's Natasha Fenton nearly scoring a stunning goal, her effort rattling the crossbar. Durham finished the half strongly, but the scores remained 1-1.

Both teams made changes at half-time. Jessica Brown replaced Beer for Sunderland, while Durham introduced fresh legs and altered their formation. Early second-half chances for both sides came to nothing until Novak curled a shot past Borthwick to put Durham 2-1 up, aided by a deceptive Lambert run.

Ella West's excellent defending prevented a third Durham goal, while Sunderland introduced reinforcements in the 65th minute, including Mary McAteer, Katie Kitching, Jessie Stapleton, and Niyah Dunbar. Despite late pressure, Sunderland struggled to create clear chances, with Kitching firing wide and Stapleton booked after a late tackle.

Stapleton's second yellow card reduced Sunderland to 10 players in stoppage time. Durham wound down the clock, and Ryan-Doyle missed a late chance to extend their lead.

The match ended 2-1, with Durham progressing to the next round while Sunderland exited the competition. The Lasses now shift focus back to league action, hosting Portsmouth on Sunday.

HAWAY THE LASSES!