Sheffield United Women were stunned by Sunderland Ladies at the Technique Stadium on Sunday as they were beaten 4-1 by the tenth placed side.
The Blades made two changes from their victory over London City Lionesses last weekend with Nina Wilson and Sophie Walton coming in for Fran Kitching and Georgia Robert.
Sunderland threatened early as Maria Farrugia almost gave the travelling side the advantage, but her shot hit the post after going past Wilson’s diving left hand.
The striker soon had a second chance and Wilson was forced to pull off a diving save to keep out a more powerful effort and keep scores level 20 minutes into the first half.
United still threatened however and minutes later captain Sophie Bradley-Auckland made a good connection with Lucy Watson’s corner and fired the ball into the back of the net giving her side the lead in the 22nd minute.
It wasn’t long before the visitors struck back and two minutes later Emily Scarr evaded the Blades’ defences on a superb run through the centre of the box to pull the scores back to level.
During a frenetic period of play from both sides an unfortunate mix-up by United’s defence allowed the visitors to take the lead as half-time approached. Scarr claimed her second as she slotted the ball past Wilson and into the bottom of the net.
Frustration started to show for United and moments after Sunderland took the lead Ellie Wilson received a yellow card for a late tackle on goal scorer Scarr.
The Blades made changes for the second half. Maddy Cusack joined the back three and Matilda Taylor who had replaced the injured Bradley-Auckland moments before half-time slotted into the midfield.
It was Sunderland, however, who continued to impress and managed to extend their lead 10 minutes into the second half. Farrugia confounded an advancing Wilson and looped the ball over her head and into the net.
United had several chances throughout the second half to pull the score line back but could not find a shot on target, Sweetman-Kirk had a good chance in the 65th minute but failed to beat the keeper in what was a fairly straightforward chance.
Sunderland were able to add a fourth to their tally late into normal time. Emma Kelly took advantage of Wilson’s initial save to put the game to bed in the 87th minute.
It was a disappointing performance from United who failed to capitalise on their chances. They will need to put the loss behind them before they face Bristol City next Saturday.
