Wearsiders kept at bay by Palace

SUNDERLAND Women were unable to score against Crystal Palace in a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park that brought the curtain down on the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Championship season.

Mel Reay’s side finished in third place with 41 points, while the hosts were crowned league champions.

With both sides looking to keep possession in the middle of the park, the first real opportunity came after 20 minutes as Araya Dennis and Molly Sharpe both had opportunities that were dealt with by the Lasses.

Just before half-time, Emily Scarr broke down the right-hand side and crossed to the back post, but Ellen Jones’ header was dealt with by Demi Lambourne.

On 51 minutes, Izzy Atkinson found space on the left and put in a deep cross that rattled the top of the post.

Natasha Fenton almost caught the Palace goalkeeper out as she attempted a lob from a long way out, but her effort just went over the bar.

Minutes later, Jenna Dear unleashed a brilliant strike from range, which rattled the crossbar.

The Black Cats managed the game well in the second half and had more opportunities to take the lead – on 63 minutes, Scarr released Katy Watson in the box but her strike went over.

Grace McCatty entered the fray for the final time in her career as she was brought on for Brianna Westrup, making it the defender’s 112th appearance over six years in Sunderland colours.

DURHAM signed off their season on a high with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

Sarah Wilson’s second-half strike was enough for her side to round off their campaign on a winning note at Maiden Castle.

Durham have struggled badly in the second half of the season and this was their first win in 10 games, their last victory a narrow 1-0 success against Southampton on 17 December.

The winner came on 55 minutes when Wilson rose highest to head home.

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