SAFC Women 0-1 Lewes Women
Sunderland Women fell just short at Eppleton as they were beaten by Lewes Women in the Barclays Women’s Championship.
Ellie Hack’s 83rd minute goal was the difference between the two sides.
It was a tentative start to the game with both sides trying to keep possession and grow into the match.
The Lasses had the first chance after a clearance was collected by Jessica Brown, who drove down the right and fired across goal, forcing Lewes’ Sophie Whitehouse into action to hold the cross.
Grace Ede found herself with space in the box 32 minutes in, but her right-footed effort was blocked by the defence.
Emily Scarr unleashed a shot from range early into the second half, but it just didn’t dip in time and went over the bar.
The away side began to pressure, with Emily Kraft shooting towards the bottom corner for Claudia Moan to stop, with the Sunderland ‘keeper later tipping an effort over the bar.
Mel Reay’s side continued to look for the opener, this time a chipped ball from Abbey Joice finding Abby Holmes. The defender cut onto her right foot and fired straight at the ‘keeper.
The Rooks took the lead late on as a free kick was launched to the back post, with Rhian Cleverly cutting it back to Hack, who slotted her chance into the back of the net.
The Lasses have a break from league action as they prepare for a trip to face Manchester City next weekend in the Conti Cup.
SAFC Women: Moan, Beer, Herron, Westrup, Holmes, J. Brown (Dodds 79’), D. Brown, Joice, Ede (Manders 79’), Kelly © (Gears 79’), Scarr.
Subs not used: Cowling, McCatty, Griffiths, McInnes, Watson, Jardine.