Sunderland Women were defeated for the first time in the league since November as they were beaten by London City Lionesses at Princes Park.
A spell of seven minutes saw London City take a three-goal lead in the first half, with the goals coming from Sarah Ewens, Atlanta Primus and Lily Agg.
Liz Ejupi grabbed one back in the 70th minute but the hosts held onto their lead to claim the three points.
Mel Reay’s side did start the first half strongly, threatening the London City goal. Emily Scarr had the first opportunity, cutting in from the wing onto her right foot, but her shot was held by Shae Yanez.
Minutes later, the ball fell to Danielle Brown on the edge of the box, and her shot just went over the bar.
Jessica Brown had the next opportunity, breaking down the right wing and firing towards goal, but Yanez saved again.
The hosts grew into the game and took the lead in the 27th minute as Ewens connected with a cross and finished her chance off the bar to open the scoring.
Primus doubled London City’s lead four minutes later, firing her shot into the bottom corner.
The home side got their third 34 minutes in, with Agg getting on the end of a cross to net their third of the game.
The Lasses battled well and put in a stronger showing in the second half, and were rewarded 70 minutes in with a goal. Abbey Joice did brilliantly to beat her marker through the middle and loft a through pass to Ejupi, who took the pass down and smashed a shot past the ‘keeper.
Reay’s side have a week to dust themselves down and prepare for league action as they take on Southampton back at Eppleton.
SAFC Women: Moan, Beer, McCatty, Westrup, Holmes (Morgan 72’), Kelly ©, D. Brown, J. Brown (Watson 72’), Joice (McPartlan 72’), Scarr, Ejupi.
Substitutes: Cowling, Ede, McInnes, Dodds, Borthwick, Thompson