Sunderland Ladies began their new season last week. They will be looking to put last season behind them after it was cruelly cut short due to the ongoing pandemic. The Ladies were top of the FA Women’s National League North when the season was cancelled. The Black Cats were unbeaten, 11 points clear and had a game in hand with Sunderland looking like certainties for promotion. However, their promotion day celebrations failed to arrive and now they must do it all again.
Sunderland Ladies Looking to Bounce Back From Disappointment
Can’t Dwell on Last Season
Last season was without a doubt a huge disappointment to the club, players, staff and fans; however, should they wish to mount a promotion challenge once again, last season should be forgotten. Prior to the new season, defender Neve Herron spoke about last season, transfers and the desire to do well once again:
“It was hard to take in that our hard work had been taken away from us so easily, but we’re prepared to work hard again this season.”
“The leaving of a couple of players has not affected the team in any way,” Herron added. “We’re all prepared to work hard again this season to get as high in the league as possible.
“The new signings have settled in excellent and are all ready for the season ahead.”
Not the Best Start to the New Season for Sunderland Ladies
Sunderland began their season at home to Burnley last weekend. Unfortunately, the campaign did not get off to the start everyone wanted or expected. The Lasses fell to a narrow two-one defeat, ending an undefeated league run which began in April 2019. Sunderland fought back from going a goal down in the first half; however, once they equalised, they pushed for the winner allowing Burnley to break late on and win the game.
It was a disappointing start for Melanie Reay’s side. Although, the chance to get their season back on track comes quickly with two games in quick succession. Reay’s ladies travel to Hull City this weekend. Then it’s a Wear-Tees derby against Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light next Thursday.
Ladies Star Confident Ahead Of Upcoming Games
Although last season and the first game of the current campaign was disappointing, defender Megan Beer is in a positive frame of mind. Speaking to safc.com, Beer said:
“I think one of the things we can take away from it (the Burnley game) is that we aren’t a million miles off where we want to be,”
“Obviously this year has been a strange one so in terms of pre-season it wasn’t our usual one. The other thing that I think we all can take from it is the fact that it was our first loss in any league competition for over 18 months which I think is a feeling we certainly don’t want to feel again.”
“The aim for the next week is two wins, I think the main thing is we take it game by game. So once the Hull game is over our attention will turn to the next one, but we can’t look beyond what’s currently in front of us.
“It’s great to be back at the Stadium of Light, especially for a derby game under the lights. It’s a massive chance to get six points on the board and a great chance to start picking up some momentum.”
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