Sunderland Women’s FA Cup hopes ended after a hard-fought defeat to WSL leaders Manchester United Women.
The Lasses gave a brilliant account of themselves but just fell short in the fourth round - a Nikita Parris’ double in the 39th and 69th minute earning the Red Devils the victory.
Abby Holmes equalised for the Lasses in the 67th minute, but the away side managed to take the lead straight after and win the game.
Despite early Man united pressure, the Lasses had the first real shot as Emily Scarr’s corner fell to Neve Herron at the back post, but her shot was blocked.
Claudia Moan made a brilliant save with her feet 10 minutes in to deny Rachel Williams a goal.
Mel Reay’s were under pressure coming up to the 20-minute mark, but showed extreme resilience to stop the visitors taking the lead, blocking every shot coming their way, with one flurry of several chances being thwarted by a solid defence.
Herron had to make way in the 35th minute following an early injury, with Katy Watson entering the fray.
Parris got on the end of Ona Batlle’s cross to open the scoring Man United close to half time.
Ella Toone was denied just before the interval following another fine stop by Moan, a recurring theme in the game.
After a strong defensive performance to keep the game at 1-0, Holmes equalised for the Lasses with a brilliant header from Scarr’s corner, looping it back across goal and into the far corner.
Unfortunately, the draw didn’t last long as Parris doubled her tally for the game as the away side went back in the lead.
The Lasses played brilliantly throughout to keep within touching distance, but couldn’t carve out another chance as the game ended 2-1 to Man United.
With a performance to be proud of, the Lasses have lots of positives to take into next week as they make the trip down to play London City Lionesses back in the league.
SAFC Women: Moan, Morgan, McCatty, Westrup ©, Holmes, Herron (Watson 35’), D. Brown, J. Brown (Dodds 75’), Joice, Scarr, Ejupi.
Substitutes: Cowling, Ede, McInnes.