Sunderland Women claimed the River Wear Derby spoils as they beat Durham Women at Maiden Castle.
A superb strike from Katie Kitching on the stroke of half-time ensured the Lasses maintained their position at the top of the Barclays Women’s Championship table.
Mel Reay was forced into two changes to the back line from the previous game against Lewes, with Natasha Fenton replacing Amy Goddard and Grace Ede operating at left-back in place of Louise Griffiths.
Both sides battled for possession in the early minutes of the game – Sunderland created the first opportunity, with Kitching’s corner finding the head of Fenton, but her shot was cleared off the line by Eleanor Ryan-Doyle.
The 33rd minute saw Poppy Pritchard test Claudia Moan with a header, but the Black Cats stopper was alert and made a fine save.
Liz Ejupi came close to breaking the deadlock minutes later, playing an intricate one-two with Mary McAteer, before seeing her shot flash just past the far post.
Right before half-time Sunderland were awarded a free-kick on the left wing, with Kitching expertly whipping her shot over the wall and into the top corner to give the Lasses the lead going into the break.
Reay’s side threatened after half-time, with chances falling to Ejupi, Kitching and Dear, but none could double the lead.
With Durham looking for an equaliser, Brianna Westrup made a crucial tackle to deny Amy Andrews a clear strike on goal.
Moan was called into action again in stoppage time, making an amazing save to deny Jess Clarke.
A recurring theme throughout this season, Sunderland held strong in the second half to keep the clean sheet, see out the three points and make it nine league games unbeaten.
Sunderland now turn their attentions to the Conti Cup on Wednesday, this time hosting Durham at Eppleton for the second River Wear derby in four days.
SAFC Women: Moan, Beer (Brown 81’), Fenton, Westrup ©, Ede, Rouse, Dear (Watson 90’), Kitching, McAteer, Jones (Scarr 75’), Ejupi.
Subs not used: Borthwick, McCatty, McInnes, Corbyn, West.