Second half goals help Sunderland to record victory at Southampton | OneFootball

Sunderland have continued their good run in the Barclays Women’s Championship by beating Southampton 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium this afternoon.

Eleanor Dale, Sunderland’s top scorer, broke the deadlock for The Lasses before a Katie Kitching effort helped secure the three points in-front of 7,012 at St Mary’s Stadium, a record home crowd for Southampton in the Barclays Women’s Championship.

The first chance of the game fell Sunderland’s way. Forward Dale directed a header at goal but the ball was held by home keeper Fran Stenson. This chance was followed by a Kitching effort. The midfielder took aim but her shot curled just above the goal, not causing Stenson any trouble.

Just after the half-hour mark, Dale tried her luck again but Stenson closed her down in a tight one-on-one.

After a goalless first half, it was Dale who again looked to create a quick opening for Sunderland early in the second half, however, she sent her shot over the goal. The Lasses finally opened the afternoon’s scoring in the 53rd minute as Dale reacted to Emily Scarr’s cross to turn and fire the ball into the bottom corner past Stenson.

The visitors’ lead was doubled in the 73rd minute as Kitching drove into the box before placing her shot past Stenson and into the far corner.

In the closing minutes, both sides pushed to create further chances, but the scoreline remained 2-0 in the visitors’ favour.

Southampton return to Barclays Women’s Championship action next Sunday when they travel to Durham, while Sunderland travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.