As I headed off to Eppleton to watch the lasses play in the early afternoon sunshine last Sunday, I got the sense that I was there to take in a big game. I mean, I sort of knew that already, but when I really thought about it, coupled with taking a final look at the league table and digesting it all, three points for Sunderland against third placed Southampton would be a huge result in terms of where the Women's Championship title would end up, and ultimately, promotion to the Super League. With just six fixtures remaining, the game was a case of must not lose rather than a must win for Sunderland.
Southampton had travelled north in the FA Cup only a matter of weeks ago, and won a tightly contested match 2-0. Sunderland were a little unfortunate that day, but there wasn't too much to choose between the two sides. Centre-forward Katie Wilkinson was a constant threat, as was midfielder Molly Pike. Pike is a quick, forward-thinking player who can carry the ball, and Sunderland struggled to get to grips with her that day. Southampton's team has quality in all departments though, and as they say, the league table doesn't lie.
Sunderland though, needn't have worried. They put in what I think, was their best display of the season, certainly at home. Southampton were a tough nut to crack, but Sunderland were persistent, dogged and determined to take maximum points from this game. They won midfield battles, and nailed all of the nitty gritty stuff in the middle of the park. Ball retention was good, but the efforts to win it back were even better. The back four and keeper Claudia Moan, were superb, and Sunderland always looked dangerous on the break, particularly in the second half.
One goal was enough to win it; a cracker from on the edge of the area from Mary McAteer, and the points were won.
It has been a season of huge highs for the lasses on Wearside, but even the most optimistic of fans couldn't have predicted we'd be top of the pile and four points clear, with only five games to go. With games against Charlton (fourth) and Crystal Palace (second) still to play, we really are getting down to crunch time. Who will hold their nerve? Well, if Sunderland continue to play like this, it may well be a very special end to the season in just under two month's time.
Palace and Charlton have two games in hand on Sunderland at the time of writing; the results of those games will be crucial for all of the sides chasing that coveted single promotion place. The table, as seen below, is still very tight, but the weekend win has given Sunderland breathing space as they opened up a four point gap at the top.
The fact remains though, that if Sunderland manage to win each of their remaining fives games, beating both Palace and Charlton along the way, then they will be promoted to the Super League as Champions, regardless of what the other sides do. At this stage I wouldn't rule Birmingham City out entirely, as they also have two games in hand. It would be a tough ask for them to finish top of the pile though. I have included each of the remaining fixtures for the current top four below.
Sunderland:
17th March - London City Lionesses (a)24th March - Durham (h)
31st March - Watford (a)
21st April - Charlton (h)
28th April - Crystal Palace (a)
Crystal Palace:
10th March - Sheff Utd (h)
17th March - Sheff Utd (a)
24th March - Watford (h)
31st March - Durham (a)
14th April - Birmingham (h)
21st April - Lewes (a)
28th April - Sunderland (h)
Southampton:
17th March - Reading (h)
24th March - Blackburn (a)
31st March - Lewes (h)
21st April - London City (h)
28th April - Charlton (a)
Charlton Athletic:
10th March - Reading (h)
17th March - Durham (a)
24th March - London City (h)
31st March - Birmingham (h)
14th April - Watford (a)
21st April - Sunderland (a)
28th April - Southampton (h)
Somewhat frustratingly or unfortunately for the lasses, the last two games of the season happen to be against direct promotion rivals, surely setting up a grandstand, and nervous finale to the campaign. It may well come down to the final day, where the current top four all play each other. The way football is, all four could be playing for promotion with just one fixture to go. I hope, that Sunderland have managed to secure the title before that, but my gut tells me that is wishful thinking!
Whatever happens, it has been a season where all expectations have been surpassed. The recruitment has been brilliant, as have the performances. Results have been hugely positive on the whole, and if anything, Sunderland look like they are getting stronger.
It will be an action packed and nervy end to the season, with yet more big tests ahead. Sunderland have passed plenty of them already. Can they hold their nerve and cement a truly memorable season? The next eight weeks will certainly tell us.
