Match Report: Sunderland Women 1-2 Durham Women

12/13/2024 07:55 AM

Sunderland have been knocked out of the Women’s league cup after a defeat to Durham in the River Wear Derby 

Eleanor Ryan-Doyle put Durham ahead in the first minute just before an equaliser from Sunderland’s Katy Watson. 

In the 58th minute, Kaila Novak’s goal for Durham was enough to earn three points and progress in the cup. 

Mel Reay made ten changes to her starting XI, including goalkeeper Megan Borthwick and leaving out Katie Kitching.  

Within the first minute, Tatiana Saunders goal kick found Ryan-Doyle, who struck the ball passed Borthwick after a successful dribble from the halfway line. 

After the opener the Black Cats began to attacks and in the sixth minute Watson smashed the ball past Saunders after a through ball from Jenna Dear. 

The home side were the better team in the first half with Saunders having to make a few good saves after scrappy corners. 

At the half hour mark Sunderland had an opportunity to go ahead through Natasha Fenton who hit the crossbar and Watsons follow up was not enough to seal the deal. 

Just before the half-time whistle Durham also hit the woodwork directly from a Beth Hepple corner. 

After the break Watson had another chance to put the Black Cats in front, a good ball from the left found the winger however his shot hit the side netting. 

The away side took the lead for a second time in the 58th minute with a strike from Novak, who got her second goal of the campaign. 

Sunderland piled on the pressure searching for an equaliser, substitute Kitching’s low driven shot just went wide of the post. 

In additional time Sunderland defender Jessie Stapleton was booked for a second time and sent off. The Black Cats played the remainder of the game with 10 players.  

The result meant that Durham progressed to the quarter final of the Women's League Cup and Sunderland exit the competition.