A late own-goal ensured Sunderland Ladies maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw with Lewes FC Women on Sunday.
The visitors took the lead in the first half at the Stadium of Light through Rhian Cleverly’s header, but a Rebecca McKenna own-goal 10 minutes from time secured another point in the FA Women’s Championship for the Black Cats.
Mel Reay named Keira Ramshaw in her starting XI following her recovery from a knee injury, and she was supported in attack by Maria Farrugia.
Emily Hutchinson missed out on the squad due to an injury, but new recruit Iris Achterhof was named amongst the substitutes.
After a lively start on Wearside, it was the visitors who hit the front early on, as Cleverly headed home at the near post from a corner.
The Lasses went in search of a response, as Ramshaw and Potts both saw efforts go narrowly wide before the interval.
But it was after half-time when they began to turn the screw, as the lively Farrugia dealt the opposition a warning, firing narrowly over the crossbar.
On the hour mark, Reay rang the changes and introduced latest signing Achterhof, who was denied a debut goal by a strong block.
It was another substitute in Faye Mullen who earned the Black Cats a point in the 81st minute, as her dangerous cross was turned into the net by McKenna.
Next up for the Lasses is a trip to Bristol City Women on Sunday, as they look to build on a strong start to the season.
Sunderland Ladies: Moan, Beer (Mullen 64’), McCatty, Potts, Griffiths, Brown (Scarr 64’), Ramshaw, Herron (Achterhof 64’), Kelly, Joice, Farrugia
Subs not used: Cowling, Blakey, McInnes, Manders