Eight-goal thriller sees Cats stay top
SUNDERLAND stayed a point clear at the top of the Barclays Women’s Championship following a thrilling 5-3 derby victory over neighbours
Durham.
A scoreless opening half-hour gave little sign of what was to come, Mary Mcateer coming closest for the hosts with an effort cleared off the line by Durham captain Sarah Wilson.
But Emily Scarr’s 32nd-minute opener started the goalfest, Mcateer soon getting in on the act by glancing home Jenna Dear’s cross seven minutes later.
Durham instantly halved the deficit through Mollie Lambert and came close to levelling in first half stoppage time as Saoirse Noonan’s header was kept out by Claudia Moan.
The equaliser arrived just before the hour mark, Lambert keeping her cool to convert Lily Crosthwaite’s through ball, but parity was short-lived as Mcateer completed a double of her own, firing home from inside the area.
Durham hit back once more on 72 minutes courtesy of a moment of magic from Beth Hepple, who picked out the top corner with a free-kick.
But the visitors were level for just three minutes as Dear responded with a stylish finish into the corner to restore Sunderland’s lead.
The breathless action continued as the hosts extended their advantage, substitute
Katy Watson slotting home following Katie Kitching’s pass to open up a crucial two-goal cushion.
Wilson headed wide as Durham sought another fightback but this time it was beyond them, Sunderland coming close to a sixth when Scarr was denied a second by Naoisha Mcaloon.
The league leaders travel to bottom club Watford next weekend, with Durham hosting second-placed Crystal Palace.
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