MATCH REPORT: Nottm Forest Ladies 1-3 SAFC Ladies - Sunderland cruise to victory in style!

Sunderland Ladies continued their excellent start to the season at Eastwood CFC today, as a Katie Barker screamer strengthened their grip at the top of the Women’s National League.

The Lasses had to come from behind to take all three points, however, following a frantic opening period, but it would be Melanie Reay’s side who would take all three points, as they clocked up their fourth win in a row thanks to goals from Grace McCatty and Katie Barker.

It was in form Forest striker Precious Hamilton that would hit first though, as she managed to fend off the challenge of Charlotte Potts to fire home past Claudia Moan in the Sunderland net after only four minutes.

Melanie Reay’s side responded well, however, and were back on level terms quarter of an hour into the game, as centre back Grace McCatty managed to get a shot on goal when Forest struggled to clear a corner, which went into the net, via a deflection.

Sunderland took charge from there on in and, following Keira Ramshaw’s near-miss, midfielder Katie Barker completed the first half comeback with a 25-yard-screamer in the 30th minute.

Sunderland Ladies dominated the second half and always looked likely to add to their tally, and they did, as top scorer, Bridget Galloway, added a third with ten minutes left on the clock to put the Lasses four points clear at the top of the table.

SAFC Ladies: Moan, Herron, Potts, McCatty, Mullen, Barker (Griffiths, 89), Lambert, Ramshaw, Brown (Beer, 85), Farrugia (Gibson, 74), Galloway.

Unused: Warren, Cottam