Three goals in seven first half minutes helped Sunderland Ladies to a dominant win over Chorley Ladies today at the JMO Sports Park in the FAWNL Cup.

Sunderland progressed to the third round of the cup with a brace from Maltese international Maria Farrugia and goals from captain Keira Ramshaw and top-scorer Bridget Galloway.

The Lasses’ squad was boosted by the return of England youth interational Jessica Brown and Neve Herron, who were returning from their England under-17’s camp whilst the experienced Grace McCatty had full week of training following her return from Kenya last weekend.

After a dominant half-hour, Mel Reay’s side burst into life with a typically skilful goal from Maria Farrugia, who beat one defender before rounding the goalkeeper to give the away side the lead.

Captain Keira Ramshaw added a second only three minutes later with a 20 yard drive - her 75th goal for Sunderland Ladies - before an unbelievable strike from Farrugia sealed the win before half-time, finishing off a fantastic move with a quality long range finish.

With the game more of less won by half-time, top-scorer Galloway finished off in a superb Georgia Gibson cross with a sublime side-footed volley to complete the rout midway through the second half.

The result sets up a quarter-final home tie with Derby County and means the Lasses enter 2020 unbeaten so far this season.

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Player Ratings

Claudia Moan: 9/10

Made some big saves, including one at 0-0 to keep the scores level

Erika Warren: 7/10

Steady on her return to the team.

Meg Beer: 7/10

Steady and assured.

Grace McCatty: 7/10

Another solid performance. Composed and made challenges when needed.

Charlotte Potts: 7/10

Steady, made important challenges when required.

Keira Ramshaw: 8/10

Captain fantastic. Took her goal well.

Mollie Lambert: 9/10

Typically controlling performance. Back to usual standard.

Georgia Gibson: 8/10

Brilliant cross for Galloway’s goal. Good display despite playing slightly further wide than usual.

Maria Farrugia: 9/10

Showed exactly what she is capable of with two excellent goals and was a constant pain to the Chorley defence.

Bridget Galloway: 8/10

Goal machine, but also held the ball up well and brought others into the attack.

Neve Herron: 7/10

A mature display as an attacker, and also in defence. Threatened plenty from the left in the first half.

(SUB) Katie Barker: 7/10

Live wire, added spark in the second half.

(SUB) Jess Brown: 7/10

As above.

(SUB) Louise Griffith: N/A

Not on long enough.

Women of the match

Maria Farrugia