Birmingham City chalk up impressive five-goal victory over Sunderland | OneFootball

Birmingham City made a flying start to the new Barclays Women’s Championship season by recording an impressive 5-0 victory over Sunderland this afternoon.

In a league that promises no easy matches, the Blues made their introduction loud and clear as Amy Merricks’ side claimed a resounding victory in front of 1,284 fans at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Both sides got off to a steady start and Sunderland were the ones who came very close to taking the lead after five minutes. Katie Kitching’s corner found the head of Amy Goddard but unfortunately, the ball was tipped over the bar by home keeper Lucy Thomas. From then on, Sunderland’s opportunities would be few and far between.

Before long, the parity in the game was to disappear entirely as Lucy Quinn broke the deadlock in the 10th minute. The midfielder picked up a lovely ball from Ivana Fuso and slotted it home.

The Birmingham City demolition of the Wearsiders swiftly began as the Blues followed up with a further two goals before half-time. The second goal came around the 30-minute mark, courtesy of a brilliant cross by Rebecca McKenna. She found the head of captain Lily Agg who directed her effort into the net. The third blow for Sunderland then came from a lovely link-up between Tegan McGowan and Choe Yu-ri down the left-hand side, the latter getting her name on the scoresheet.

In the second half, Sunderland came out with renewed spirit, however, within five minutes of the restart, visiting keeper Demi Lambourne brought down McGowan in the box. Lucy Quinn stepped up once more and she bagged her second goal of the afternoon as she comfortably converted the penalty to make it four for the home side.

Birmingham City looked incredibly dangerous throughout the match and interestingly, each goal was tactically different. It’s clear to see the work the Blues have put in behind-the-scenes this summer and why head coach Merricks expressed her excitement for the start of the new season ahead of the game.

The fifth and final Birmingham City goal of the afternoon came courtesy of a quick one-two between Choe and Fuso, the latter confidently slotted the ball home.

Following this afternoon’s impressive win, Birmingham City turn their attention towards next weekend’s trip to Bristol City while Sunderland’s next match is at home to Southampton.