Sunderland Women claimed their first victory of the season as they defeated Sheffield United Women at Bramall Lane.
Mary McAteer’s first-half goal the one to separate the side, the Lasses put in an industrious shift to hold firm together and keep their second clean sheet of the season.
After a tentative start to the game, Mel Reay’s side had the first opportunity with Jessica Brown crossing to Emily Scarr, who touched it down and laid it off to McAteer – her shot was sliced wide of the near post.
The winger made no mistake next time round, with Kitching’s cross cleared only to McAteer, who smashed a volley into the far bottom corner in scintillating fashion.
After the break, Isobel Goodwin won the ball on the edge of the box and struck an effort wide of the post.
On the 59-minute mark, Kitching picked up the ball in the centre and drove forward before firing a long-range effort towards goal, but the ‘keeper caught the shot.
The Blades piled the pressure as the game grew closer to full time, with the hosts dominating possession and winning corners, but the Lasses held strong and defended everything threw their way.
With 11 minutes given as stoppage time, the pressure continued. The Black Cats managed the game well, driving up the pitch and to the corner when possible.
Jess Sigsworth was shown a straight red card in the final few minutes after lashing out and throwing the ball of Louise Griffiths.
After more than 110 minutes of play, Sunderland claimed the three points to continue their good start to the 2023-24 campaign.
SAFC Women: Moan, Brown, Goddard, Westrup ©, Griffiths, Kitching, Fenton, Dear, McAteer (Ede 75’), Scarr (Watson 75’), Ejupi (Jones 88’).
Subs not used: Borthwick, McInnes, McCatty.