Liverpool Women 3-0 SAFC Ladies
A dubious penalty call was the talk of the game on Sunday afternoon as SAFC Ladies were defeated by Liverpool Women in the FA Women’s Championship.
Neve Herron was dismissed for what the referee adjudged to be a foul in the box at the start of the second half, making an already tough task even harder against the league leaders.
Goals from Katherine Stengel, Yana Daniels and Missy Bo Kearns meant the home side took the three points, despite another encouraging showing from Mel Reay’s young side.
Sunderland started the half strongly, pressing and keeping possession well, with Keira Ramshaw having two chances early on – one going over the bar and the other parried away by Rachael Laws.
The Lasses continued their impressive start and Emily Scarr found acres of space down the right wing, beat her marker and fired a shot towards goal, but the goalkeeper saved again.
Maria Farrugia then found an opportunity just after the half-hour mark, stealing the ball and driving towards the box, but her left-footed shot was held by Laws.
Liverpool finished strongly at the end of the first half, forcing Allison Cowling into two good saves as the sides went into half time at 0-0.
A very harsh penalty was given against Sunderland two minutes in to the second half, with Herron also receiving a red card as the last defender, and Stengel converted from the spot.
Reay’s Lasses did have chances to equalise as Scarr’s cross was met by Abbey Joice, but her shot was stopped by Laws.
Daniels doubled Liverpool’s lead with five minutes to go and in the final minute of injury time, Liverpool were awarded another penalty which was converted by Kearns to make it 3-0.
An international break now beckons in the women’s leagues, with several of the Lasses’ starlets in action for their national sides, both youth and senior.
Crystal Palace then visit Eppleton as Sunderland’s next opponents, on February 27.