Southampton come from behind to record draw with Sunderland | OneFootball

Southampton came from a goal down to record a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Silverlake Stadium in Eastleigh this afternoon.

Katy Watson opened the scoring for the Wearsiders before Chloe Peplow levelled for Southampton late in the first half.

Both sides looked to test each other’s defensive qualities early on, but it was Mel Reay’s Sunderland side who took the lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Watson calmly slotted the ball past Fran Stenson after being played in by Emily Scarr.

The Lady Black Cats then went close to doubling their advantage through Natasha Fenton, but her cross was tipped over by Stenson following a Sunderland corner.

Atlanta Primus came close to equalising in the 29th minute, but her right-footed shot from the centre of the box was saved by Grace Moloney.

In added time at the end of the first half, Stenson denied Sunderland again as she blocked a chance by Katie Kitching.

Southampton levelled matters just moments before the break through Peplow who profited from a free-kick delivery to convert a close-range effort.

After the break, The Saints continued their momentum, creating multiple chances on goal and dominating possession, but they were unable to carve out any real chance to challenge Moloney and take the lead.

At the other end, Watson looked to put her side back ahead, but she was denied by Stenson who blocked her shot in the bottom right corner.

In the end, neither side could make the difference as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both sides are back in action next weekend. Sunderland play host to Charlton Athletic at The Stadium of Light while Southampton go to Birmingham City.