Reay’s side stay top of pile despite London loss

SUNDERLAND Women lost only their fourth game in the FA Women’s Championship as they failed to score while going down 1-0 to London City Lionesses at Princes Park in Dartford.

Despite the defeat Mel Reay’s team still top the table with 34 points but there are three teams breathing down their necks on 33 – Crystal Palace, Southampton and Charlton Athletic.

Palace also have a game in hand which could prove crucial as the season enters the business end.

Ruesha Littlejohn’s first-half strike was the difference between the sides as the hosts claimed the three points.

The home side threatened early on in the first half, with Paige Satchell forcing a good save from Claudia Moan.

Jenna Dear had the Lasses’ first opportunity with the ball falling to the midfielder from a corner and her volley rattled the edge of the post.

Remi Allen’s side took the lead in the 25th minute with Littlejohn curling a shot into the top corner.

Minutes later, Sunderland appeared to be denied a clear-cut penalty for a foul on Emily Scarr on the by-line, but the appeals were waved away by the referee.

Liz Ejupi entered the fray in the second half and got straight into the action, running through and lashing a shot just wide of the post.

Lois Joel and Chantelle Boyehlorkah both had opportunities around the 65-minute mark but couldn’t hit the target, with Dear also firing from range for the Lasses, but her shot sailed over.

Called into action again, Moan made another tremendous save to deny London City a second following intricate play from the home side down the right wing.

Mel Reay’s team probed for an equaliser as the game went on, with Jessica Brown unleashing a powerful shot to force a good stop from Grace Maloney.

Moments after, Brown’s cross was met by Dear, who flicked a header just past the post.

With the Black Cats looking to bounce back, the River Wear Derby is next up as they host Durham Women, who sit in eighth place, at Eppleton on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).