Sunderland Women suffered a narrow defeat against London City Lionesses at Princes Park.
Ruesha Littlejohn’s first-half strike was the difference between the sides as the hosts claimed the three points.
The home side threatened early on in the first half, with Paige Satchell forcing a good save from Claudia Moan.
Jenna Dear had the Lasses’ first opportunity with the ball falling to the midfielder from a corner and her volley rattled the edge of the post.
Remi Allen’s side took the lead in the 25th minute with Littlejohn curling a shot into the top corner.
Minutes later, Sunderland appeared to be denied a clear-cut penalty for a foul on Emily Scarr on the by-line, but the appeals were waved away by the referee.
Liz Ejupi entered the fray in the second half and got straight into the action, running through and lashing a shot just wide of the post.
Lois Joel and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah both had opportunities around the 65-minute mark but couldn’t hit the target, with Dear also firing from range for the Lasses, but her shot sailed over.
Called into action again, Moan made another tremendous save to deny London City a second following intricate play from the home side down the right wing.
Mel Reay’s team probed for an equaliser as the game went on, with Jessica Brown unleashing a powerful shot to force a good stop from Grace Maloney.
Moments after, Brown’s cross was met by Dear, who flicked a header just past the post.
With the Black Cats looking to bounce back, the River Wear Derby is next up as we host Durham Women at Eppleton next Sunday (KO 2pm).
SAFC Women: Moan, Brown, Goddard, Westrup, Ede (Griffiths 46’), Fenton, Rouse, Dear, Kitching (Watson 77’), McAteer (Ejupi 46’), Scarr.
Subs not used: Borthwick, McCatty, Beer, McInnes, Jones.