Sunderland Women moved to the top of the Barclays Women’s Championship with a victory over Lewes at the Dripping Pan.
Jenna Dear opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Liz Ejupi doubled the Lasses’ tally 38 minutes in.
Mel Reay was forced into an early change following an injury to Louise Griffiths, with Grace Ede replacing the full-back.
The Lasses took the lead minutes later after good play from Katie Kitching and Dear – the latter whipped a cross-shot over the goalkeeper to net her second of the season.
Dear was involved again shortly after, slotting Mary McAteer through on goal, but her shot was saved by the ‘keeper.
The Black Cats’ lead looked to be doubled as Fenton’s free-kick was met by Brianna Westrup who beat the goalkeeper to the ball and struck the bar, with Amy Goddard tapping it in – a foul was given on Emily Moore.
The Lasses found their second as Kitching’s corner was met by Fenton at the back post, with Ejupi tapping it in at the back post.
Lewes had a huge opportunity to grab a goal back in stoppage time of the first half, but Claudia Moan made an outstanding save to deny the hosts.
The 71st minute saw Goddard close to being on the scoresheet again, but her header was cleared off the line.
Moan was called into action again in the 75th minute to produce more heroics and maintain the clean sheet.
The Lasses head into the international break top of the division and still unbeaten – the next game is the River Wear Derby against Durham at Maiden Castle on November 5.
SAFC Women: Moan, Beer, Goddard, Westrup, Griffiths (Ede 10’), Fenton, Kitching (Rouse 73’), Dear, McAteer (Watson 87’), Jones (Scarr 87’), Ejupi.
Subs not used: Borthwick, McInnes, McCatty, Brown.