SAFC Ladies 0-0 Liverpool Women [4-2 pens]
Sunderland Ladies came out on top as they beat Liverpool Women on penalties in the Continental Cup.Emma Kelly, Emily Scarr, Neve Herron and Maria Farrugia all converted from the spot to claim the two points.
Liverpool controlled possession early in the first half, but Sunderland managed to stand strong to thwart any opportunity that the away side looked to create.
The Lasses grew into the half and pressed the Liverpool defence well, with chances falling to Maria Farrugia and Neve Herron on the edge of the box, but both shots were smothered by Charlotte Clarke.
Mel Reay’s side continued to threaten the back line, and strong opportunities fell to Farrugia and Abbey Joice around the box, but neither could test the goalkeeper.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Sunderland pressing Liverpool high, and it almost paid off when Farrugia stole the ball in the 63rd minute, drove through the middle and fired a shot just past the far post.
Liverpool finished the game strongly, striking the bar from a cross, and looked to have taken the lead when a shot looked destined for the net until heroics from Herron as she cleared the ball off the line, and Charlotte Potts headed off the line just seconds later.
After Keira Ramshaw and Niamh Fahey both missed their opening penalties, the Lasses scored the remaining four to secure a 4-2 penalty victory.
Despite not qualifying due to results in other groups, the Lasses earned a hard-fought victory as they look to take that momentum into Sunday’s game away at Sheffield United.
SAFC Ladies: Moan, Beer, Potts, McCatty, Griffiths, Kelly ©, Herron, Ede (Manders 71’), Farrugia, Joice (Ramshaw 90’), Blakey (Scarr 90’)
Subs not used: Cowling, Burt, McInnes