Sunderland Women secured their third league win in a row as they beat Birmingham City Women at St. Andrew’s.
Emily Scarr gave the Lasses the lead in the 41st minute, but Jade Pennock equalised shortly after as both sides went into half time level.
Jessica Brown’s 55th goal and Grace McCatty’s 67th sealed the three points to continue the team’s impressive form.
Chances were few and far between early in the first half, with both sides having their first chance around the 30-minute mark.
The Lasses opened the scoring following brilliant play from Danielle Brown on the right wing to beat her marker and whip a cross to the back post, and Scarr met the cross with a bullet header past the goalkeeper.
The hosts went level as Pennock got on the end of a lofted cross to head into the Sunderland net.
Mel Reay’s side went in front again, with Liz Ejupi expertly picking Brown out at the back post, who tapped home her chance.
The Lasses’ solidified their control of the game with a third as Emma Kelly’s corner found McCatty, who leapt above everyone else and directed a header back and into the corner.
With work still to do in the final period of the game, Sunderland fortified at the back, winning aerial battles and clearing all balls into the box. Claudia Moan was called into action in stoppage time and pulled off a brilliant stop with her feet to deny the home side a foothold back into the game.
The Lasses continue their good form as they have one week to prepare for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Manchester United at Eppleton in front of another record crowd since the team’s return to the Championship.