Brown and Ramshaw goals ease Ladies to victory over Watford

Sunderland Ladies are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup following an impressive 2-0 victory over National Southern League table-toppers, Watford Ladies FC.

After a first half of few chances, Sunderland went in ahead at the break after a wonderful effort from Jessica Brown.

The second half saw much more goal mouth action with both teams creating plenty of chances, but it was Sunderland who would come out on top courtesy of Kiera Ramshaw’s late header.

During a quiet opening period, Sunderland came closest to taking the lead after Bridget Galloway closed down Wiggins clearance but she deflected the ball just wide.

They took the lead on the stroke of half-time through right back Jessica Brown with a fine solo goal.

The full back picked the ball up near the touchline and evaded a number of Watford challenges before calmly slotting home to give the hosts the lead at the break.

Sunderland came flying out of the traps in the second half and were unfortunate not to double their lead when Barker forced the ball narrowly wide of the post following Herron’s inviting cross. Claudia Moan had to be sharp to prevent Watford from equalising just after the hour mark when she collected a well-struck Beckett free-kick from just outside the area.

Katie Barker was again unlucky when she got on the end of a great cross by Lambert, only to see Wiggins get down well to prevent the Black Cats from going two nil up.

Watford had another glorious chance to level through Vyse, but again Moan was equal to it and diverted the ball behind for a corner with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Sunderland eased their nerves on 79 minutes when stalwart, Kiera Ramshaw rose highest to head home the home side’s second goal of the afternoon and ensure their safe passage to the next round.

Lineups-Sunderland:

Moan, Herron (Gibson, 79), Mullen, Potts, Ramshaw ©, Lambert, Galloway, Brown, Barker (Griffiths, 75) McCatty, Farruggia.

Subs Not Used: Gibson, Warren, Woolston, Beer.

Watford: Wiggins, Huggins, Beckett, Hill, Fatgua-Dada, Chandler, Stojko-Down, Rolandesen, Ward ©, Carid (Richards) O’Leary (Vyse, 66).

Subs Not Used: Wilson, Scanlon, Kilkomeko.