Sunderland AFC 1-0 London City Lionesses
by Emily Wyatt for Impetus at Eppleton Colliery Football Ground (30/09/24)
Above: London City Lionesses’ Emma Mukandi (yellow shirt) up against Georgia Brown, Photo: LC_Lionesses on X
Natasha Fenton scored a vital goal at Eppleton Colliery Welfare to secure Sunderland AFC’s first win of the season, sealing a 1-0 scoreline over a roaring London City Lionesses side.
Expectedly, in the first few opening minutes of this competitive match it was clear that both teams were attempting to gain possession over the other team in the hope of forming a press on their opposition. In the first three minutes, the visitors were successful in this as they continued to play out from the back, carrying out calm and accurate passes between their back three. Once they felt comfortable within their possession, they utilized Grace Nevilles’ speed and attacking skills to carry the ball further down the pitch. However, after beating defenders and putting a decent ball in Sunderland’s box, the opportunity was missed after the ball passed only just above Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s attempt towards a header.
As the game progressed, it was clear Sunderland had begun to understand London City’s game plan a lot better, which allowed them to break through their strong press and create some opportunities for themselves.
Sunderland’s number seven, Mary Mcateer, had a big impact on getting her team further up the pitch due to her press upon Teyah Goldie. This consisted of her not letting Goldie get any time on the ball which could have possibly led London City to regain control of the game again.
The Lasses claimed themselves four corners in the space of five minutes, putting the visitors to the ultimate defensive test, resulting in goalkeeper Emily Orman, pulling out a magnificent save after a ball struck by Katie Kitching skimmed the crossbar.
As the first half continued, the game became quite balanced with possession and opportunities created by either side which tested both teams in the defensive and attacking role. The obvious tactical decision made by Melanie Reay throughout the game was to play their forward Emily Scarr in the number 10 role instead of directly upfront, giving the home side fantastic balls played through the middle of the pitch, catching the opposition’s defence off guard.
As for London City Lionesses, it was clear that their plan was to play out wide -using Emma Mukandi – who was very lightly marked by Sunderland, as one of their main outlets.
However, despite her being a very experienced player, she rarely had the ball for long after key players in Sunderland’s defence such as Georgia Brown and Amy Goddard were quick to clear any chances. As the end of the first half neared, both teams continued to be equal in possession and chances were created at both ends of the pitch. However, going in at the break, the scoreline remained goalless.
In the second half, the first and only goal of the competitive fixture was scored by Sunderland’s captain, Natasha Fenton. After a fantastic corner was put into the box by Katie Kitching, Sunderland’s number 14 was ready and waiting to get onto the end of it to put her team in front. This is exactly what Mel Reay’s side needed to relieve the constant pressure that this game had consistently provided for both teams.
Towards the end of the second half, London City Lionesses made the tactical decision for Emma Mukandi to take a few of the corners which were rewarded to the away side, Teyah Goldie was close to scoring after a corner was put straight into the box, however, Demi Lambourne secured the save as the ball was shot with power towards the underside of the crossbar.
Both sides went on to make many substitutions and tactical changes as the second half came neared to an end. For London City, changes included Georgia Brougham off for Gesa Marashi. Additionally, for Sunderland, changes included Eleanor Dale off for Katy Watson. However, these changes did not make a difference for either side and the scoreline stayed the same.
Sunderland had the oppourtunity to go further ahead in the last few seconds of added time after being awarded a penalty due to a foul in the box. However, Emily Scarr did not manage to put it in the back of the net for her side after a good save from Emily Orman to keep the scoreline as it was.
Teams: SUNDERLAND AFC (4-2-3-1): Lambourne, Ede, Stapleton, Goddard, Brown, Dear, Fenton, McAteer, Kitching, Scarr, Dale. Substitutes: Borthwick, Cassap, Corbyn, Mcinnes, Beer, Flannery, Watson, West.
Scorer: Natasha Fenton 58’
LONDON CITY LIONESSES (3-5-2): Orman, Henson, Brougham, Goldie, Mukandi, Scofield, Asllani, Meyong, Neville, Boye-Hlorkah, Goodwin. Substitutes: Brown, Fitzgerald, Marashi, Moloney, Wilde.
Referee: Grace Lowe
Attendance: 565
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