Sunderland hold Newcastle in derby with late chance missed and stakes for next season | OneFootball

Sunderland Women earned a derby draw with Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Katy Watson’s first-time volley put Sunderland ahead before a tiring spell after the interval invited the equaliser. In stoppage time a long throw was flicked on to Eleanor Dale, who headed over. Sunderland Echo notes the result could have significant regional ramifications.

Newcastle’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s PIF has shifted the local order and Sunderland had lost all three league meetings since promotion to WSL 2. The resources gap showed, with Jordan Nobbs starting and fellow former Lioness Demi Stokes only a substitute.

This display was different. Sunderland snapped into duels, won 50-50s and limited Newcastle despite long spells without the ball. The draw looked fair, yet it checked Newcastle’s push, leaving them three points off the promotion play-off with three games left.

It is a matter of when, not if, Newcastle reach the Super League. Sunderland have spent much of the past year exploring external investment and can take heart from this. Watson impressed again, 19-year-old Chloe Paxton excelled on a full debut at centre half, and a strong academy and out-of-possession structure still underpin their future.

Source: Sunderland Echo