Southampton women forced to settle for a draw against high-flying Sunderland Womens FC in a tense game at the Silverlake Stadium.
Southampton Women made just the one change from their side that lost at home to Bristol City, as Milly Mott came in for Megan Collett, who dropped to the bench. As for the visitors, they also made only one change from their win against Durham last time out in the league. Jamie Finn dropped to the bench as Marissa Sheva replaced her.
Sunderland started the half well and settled in the quickest; however, the Saints’ defence had no issues early on.
The first goal came in the 19th minute, and it was the visitors who took the lead. It was brilliant work by Emily Scarr, who flicked the ball onto the pacey Katy Watson. Watson then took on two defenders before coolly slotting into the bottom corner.
Sunderland then grew in confidence after the goal, and nearly added a second. A looping effort from just outside the area forced Fran Stenson into a brilliant save, tipping the ball over the bar.
On the half-hour mark, Saints played their best bit of football, with Michaela Mcalonie at the heart of it. She found Jess Simpson on the overlap, who crossed to the onrushing Atlanta Primus. But the captain’s shot couldn’t beat Moloney in goal.
Southampton Women made just the one change from their side that lost at home to Bristol City, as Milly Mott came in for Megan Collett, who dropped to the bench. As for the visitors, they also made only one change from their win against Durham last time out in the league. Jamie Finn dropped to the bench as Marissa Sheva replaced her.
The Saints, moments later, again carved through the Sunderland team. Tara Bourne looped a 40-yard pass towards Mcalonie, whose cross was deflected out to Chloe Peplow, who couldn’t keep her shot down.
In the first of three added minutes, Sunderland had a huge chance to double their lead. Katie Kitching found herself through on goal but went for power rather than placement, forcing Stenson into a good save.
The Saints levelled in the last minute of added time, when a free-kick was crossed in low and caused pinball in the Sunderland area. It fell to Peplow, who scrambled the ball over the line, sending the teams into the break on level terms.
The Saints flew out of the blocks in the second half and went inches away from taking the lead. Abigail Ferguson fizzed a ball across the face of the goal, which just evaded Ellie Brazil for Southampton.
The Saints’ pressure continued as Primus linked up well with Mcalonie, leaving the former with a strike at goal which was blocked.
Ferguson, who received a booking before the attack, played a through ball to Brazil, but she couldn’t get on the end of it. Sunderland then launched a counterattack, which resulted in Watson striking low, but Stenson saved well.
With 20 minutes left, Sunderland won themselves a corner which was swung in and clipped the crossbar before being cleared by the hosts.
Brazil very nearly helped Saints gain the lead. She flashed a cross right across the face of the goal, and Sunderland eventually scrambled the ball to safety.
The Saints piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes, throwing crosses into the area which were dealt with by the visitors.
However, both teams were forced to settle for a draw.
Southampton FC Women next face Birmingham City away from home.
Written by https://x.com/Will_Charlton_
