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Goals from Eleanor Dale and Emily Scarr saw Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Barclays Women’s Championship this afternoon.
Dale converted a spot-kick while Scarr headed home late on as Sunderland secured a winning end to the campaign at The Stadium of Light.
It was Dale who had the first chance of an attritional first half, striking over from a right-wing cross. Katie Kitching then had an effort deflected onto the top of the crossbar.
The visitors, who were relegated from the Barclays Women’s Championship last weekend after a disappointing season, had two good openings before the break. First, Jacqui Hand was denied by Demi Lambourne, before Maddy Earl was similarly stopped by The Black Cats keeper.
A triple substitution from Sunderland boss Mel Reay at the interval showed dissatisfaction with the opening 45 minutes, but the hosts hit the front in the 48th minute. Dale was brought down by visiting keeper Bethan Davies, and she dusted herself off to convert from the spot.
Jessie Stapleton had a golden chance to make it two after a corner fell to her unmarked, but her shot was heroically blocked on the line.
Scarr then got the hosts’ second goal eight minutes from time, heading in Katy Watson’s cross to seal the three points.
Monique Robinson’s strike in added time gave the visitors something to cheer at the end of a miserable season.
Sunderland conclude the campaign in seventh position, while Sheffield United finish five points adrift at the foot of the Barclays Women’s Championship table.
