Holmes’ headed goal not enough as Sunderland Women exit cup
Sunderland Women’s FA Cup campaign ended with a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United in the fourth round.
England international Nikita Parris scored either side of Abby Holmes’ header to win the tie for the Red Devils, who included several Euro 2022 winning Lionesses in their squad.
From the off, the hosts looked to make their mark on the occasion, not giving their illustrious opponents time to settle on the ball and causing their back line a few problems early on.
Holmes’ drive down the left forced a corner which fell to Neve Herron but her goal boundshotpainfullyrebounded back at the midfielder who was then forced off shortly after due to the facial injury.
United weathered the storm and started to dictate thetempo,keepingpossession and pushing Sunderland back towards their own goal which led a charmed life for frantic periods in the first half.
Goalkeeper Claudia Moan, who would have an extremely busy afternoon, rushed out to deny Rachel Williams with Martha Thomas looping her follow up over the bar.
Moan was in the thick of the action again moments later, punching clear a corner which fell to Maya Le Tissier whose high cross was cleared off the line by a combination of Grace McCatty and debutant Esther Morgan. Those in lime green lined up to take shots at goal – as many as seven
in a matter of seconds – but Sunderland players bravely threw themselves in front of everything until the danger passed when Millie Turner skied her close-range effort.
On the half hour, Vilde Boa Rosa dragged a shot wide, but United’s heavy pressure would be rewarded in stoppage time via an incisive move down their right. Thomas played in Ona Batlle who did well to create space for a low cross which was turned in by the oncoming Parris.
She almost made it two
from the next attack, pouncing on Boe Risa's saved longrange effort but Moan reacted quickly to pull off a superb double save.
The Red Devils continued to dominate large parts of the second half and squandered several chances, with Sunderland creeping back into the game and determined not to let the Super League side have it all their own way.
And, midway through the half, they were level. Abbey Joice raced onto a long ball downfield and played in Liz
Ejupi whose cross was turned away for a corner which was met by Holmes who powerfully headed into the top corner via the post.
But, almost straight from the restart, most of the record-breaking 1,800 supporters who had packed out Eppleton were silenced as United regained the lead. Williams held the ball up well on the edge of the area before laying it off to Parris who smashed into the top corner.
Substitute Estelle Cascarino squandered a good opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, but her strike was well over the bar.
Despite Sunderland pressing for a second equaliser, they were unable to find the goal that would send the tie into extra time.
It was another highly encouraging and determined performance from the Black Cats who have now faced four Super League sides this season. Despite losing each game, the results have not always told the full story as Mel Reay’s side have more than stood toe-to-toe and competed with their full-time opponents.
It’s back to league action this week as they make the long trip to the capital to face London City Lionesses, hoping to extend their current winning run in the Championship.