Lasses Preview: Sunderland take on Birmingham in their season opener!
09/08/2024 01:00 AM
The Lasses kick off their league campaign against the Blues today, as they look to build on last season's achievements. Ollie Burns previews the trip to the Midlands
Hello, and welcome to Roker Report's 2024/2025 coverage of North East football's finest women's team.
This Sunday marks the first round of games of the 2024/2025 Barclays' Women's Championship.
After a strong summer of recruitment, with West Ham duo Jessie Stapleton and Keira Flannery, veteran goalkeeping champion Demi Lambourne and fully automatic shooter Eleanor Dale joining the Lasses, Mel Reay's side are back with a new outlook.
The manager's press conference earlier this week hinted at a refresh of the Lasses' tactics, with Reay stating that the players are aiming for the kind of play that's 'pleasing on the eye', with 'a possession-based team …[that's] attractive on the ball'.
Barcelona on Wearside, maybe? Fans will have to judge at our first home game on 15 September.
The team have had a strong pre-season, with the results outlined below.
Sunderland 1-2 Rangers
Hearts 0-1 Sunderland
Sunderland 3-1 Sheffield United
Sunderland 1-1 Blackburn
Everton 1-2 Sunderland
Although these games were played behind closed doors, without any comments on the style of play, the succession of goalscoring displays bodes well. The Lasses started last season with a tight defence and strong scoring record which reaped points but always left them vulnerable to opposition comebacks.
The rumoured ability of new forward Dale, who was highlighted by Reay as a previous January transfer target to replace the outbound Liz Ejupi, provides Emily Scarr with greater competition and more options to shake up games.
Birmingham City have also been busy this summer, having made a number of signings after underperforming in 2023/2024. Players from WSL clubs include Ava Baker (Leicester), Simone Magill (Aston Villa) and Chelsea loanee Ashanti Akpom will all add to a competitive side.
Last season, the Lasses held Birmingham to a draw and also suffered a loss against the Blues, so comeuppance is due.
Haway the Lasses!
