Galloway hits hat-trick as Ladies storm to win against Derby

Sunderland Ladies’ manager Melanie Copeland was delighted with hat-trick hero Bridget Galloway as her side thrashed Derby County 5-2 at Hetton to return to winning ways in the Women’s National League North.

“Bridget worked tirelessly for us today, we’re really delighted she got the three goals, - and such a mixture of goals,” Copeland said.

“It’s a squad effort, not just the 11 we have out on the pitch, but the 19 players we have registered with this team.”

Georgia Gibson replaced Anna Young in the only change to the starting 11 which lost in stoppage time to Stoke City a week before.

Early Black Cats pressure paid dividends in the 23rd minute when Galloway powerfully headed captain Kiera Ramshaw’s corner past Leah Kellogg.

Derby drew level four minutes later with a corner of their own, Emily Joyce heading past Sophy Stonehouse.

Sunderland wasted no time with their reply, midfielder Lambert firing high into the net just 60 seconds after the restart with a powerful strike following winger Jordan Atkinso’s deft cross.

“We spoke during the week about how important our midfield is, it’s the heartbeat of our team. When they get on the ball and play, we generally win the game,” Copeland explained.

On the stroke of half-time, Ramshaw’s long-range effort proved too powerful for Kellogg to hold, Galloway pouncing on the rebound to tap in her second of the afternoon.

Galloway was at it again two minutes after the restart, completing a fine hat-trick after another powerful strike was spilled by the keeper.

Derby’s Cara Newton kept Sunderland on their toes, slotting past Stonehouse in the 73rd minute after she was played through.

A superb 25-yard thumper from Gibson a minute later sealed all three points for Copeland’s team.

“I was delighted for Georgia because she’s been a sub for a couple of weeks, but she’s started today and made a big difference,” Copeland said.

“I was really pleased the way we bounced back after conceding. That’s twice we’ve conceded today, and we’ve gone up the other end and scored straight away, which counteracts it.

The victory sent Sunderland back to second in the league.