Sunderland Women played out a hard-fought draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park as the 23-24 season came to a close.
Mel Reay’s side finished in third place with 41 points, while the hosts were crowned league champions.
With both sides looking to keep possession in the middle of the park, the first real opportunity came after 20 minutes as Araya Dennis and Molly Sharpe both had opportunities that were dealt with by the Lasses.
Right before half-time, Emily Scarr broke down the right-hand side and crossed to the back post, but Ellen Jones’ header was dealt with by Demi Lambourne.
Fifty-one minutes in, Izzy Atkinson found space on the left and put in a deep cross which rattled the top of the post.
Natasha Fenton almost caught the Palace goalkeeper out as she attempted a lob from a long way out, but her effort just went over the bar.
Minutes later, Jenna Dear unleashed a brilliant strike from range which rattled the crossbar.
The Black Cats managed the game well in the second half and had more opportunities to take the lead – on 63 minutes, Scarr released Katy Watson in the box but her strike went over.
Grace McCatty entered the pitch for the final time in her career as she was brought on for Brianna Westrup, making it the defender’s 112th appearance over six years in Sunderland colours.
With the season concluding, the Lasses have a break before we prepare to work towards the 2024-25 season. Thank you your support this season!
SAFC Women: Moan, Brown, Goddard, Westrup © (McCatty 90’), Griffiths, Fenton, Dear, McInnes (Kitching 74’), Watson (McAteer 74’), Jones (Ejupi 74’), Scarr.
Subs not used: Borthwick, Ede, Rouse, Beer.