Lasses Report: Sunderland 0-1 Charlton – Title hopes dashed with the finish line in sight

Sunderland hosted Charlton in their final home game of the season in a position needing 2 wins from this game and their next against Crystal Palace to cinch the title and gain promotion to the WSL.

In spite of a spirited first half performance and the attendance of 1327 fans, it was not to be.

The first 45 minutes showed a competitive performance from both sides with Sunderland showcasing some excellent defending though struggling to establish themselves in the centre of midfield. Our counters were all down the wings and despite a couple of good chances the Lasses were unable to take the lead.

Charlton however did look the better side in attack with Melisa Felis having a good solo run through our defenders and a low solid shot at goal with Claudia Moan making a perfunctory save.

Although defenders Brianna Westrup, Amy Goddard and even striker Liz Ejupi all made vital clearances in the box throughout the half, keeper Moan was called into action several times to keep the Lasses in the game.

Photo by Stu Forster - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

With added time it became clear that Charlton were able to step it up an extra gear playing a high press and forcing Sunderland to sit deep and continue to defend. Without the dominance in the centre of the pitch which this side has used to great advantage this season, the Lasses struggled to make any impactful counters that truly threatened.

The second half showed promise with the Lasses flying out the gates in the opening few minutes before Charlton took control of the game. A Westrup pass was intercepted before a quick counter into our box led to a Kayleigh Barton goal. Although Claudia did well to make the first save, the rebound was sent into the back of our net and with it, our season’s hopes.

The game didn’t improve much further for Sunderland. Although decisive substitutions were made with Katy Watson, Ellen Jones and Libbi McInnes all introducing much needed pace, the final touch wasn’t there. Sunderland were comfortably in the opposition half but never looked to really threaten the keeper.

Claudia Moan made another great save to keep the Lasses in it during added time, but the team were unable to capitalise on the situation.

The match ended and it was clear on the faces of all the players how much it meant to them to have lost so close to the end of the season with a trophy in sight.

Photo by Stu Forster - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

This season has been an unquestioning success. At the start of it many of us were pessimistic about our chances of staying up in the league given our hybrid professional status, a small squad and the results of the previous season.

Brilliant performances in the league and an entertaining run in the Conti cup have given a new lease of life to this team. Our summer signings have all been an incredible success on and off the pitch with morale much improved and a growing connection with the fans at Eppleton.

A lack of recruitment in the January transfer window, coupled with a small squad and a very young one at that have perhaps been areas where the club has not given the support needed to the coaching and playing staff.

I have no doubt that if the board at the club were serious about women’s football and invested the equivalent finance into the team that has been paid by coaches like Mel Reay and Steph Libbey in blood, sweat and tears these past years we would be a top tier side and serious domestic contenders.

The best thing the fans can do now is cheer on the Lasses in their final away game against Crystal Palace next Sunday at Selhurst Park and continue to call on senior executive figures at the club to properly support the greatest women’s football team in the North East.

These women are an asset to the club, to our communities and to the sport. We are fiercely proud of what the team has achieved this season and will continue to support them come what may.

Ha’way the Lasses!