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Sunderland 0-2 London City Lionesses: Lionesses battle to take all three points back to the capital


It was a hard fought and rewarding afternoon for the Lionesses, as they put in a commanding performance against Sunderland to come away with a 2-0 win away from home.


Going into the game, the Lionesses were coming into clash, still unbeaten away from home and fresh off a convincing 0-5 win over Coventry.


From the opening few minutes, it was clear how tough a contest this was going to be for LCL, with Sunderland competing for every second ball.


The Lionesses were still able to create dangerous chances, with Shanade Hopcroft a real threat from dead balls.


Out wide, both Jamie-Lee Napier and Lucy Shepherd caused problems for the Sunderland backline.


Yet it wouldn’t be until half an hour had passed that London City had a breakthrough.


Once again, this season it was an Amy Rodgers effort from outside the box, this time taking a deflection from defender to send it over the keeper, that saw LCL take the lead.


With a passionate crowd behind them, Sunderland were never going to simply sit back, and indeed, following the goal they began to ramp up the pressure on the City defence.


However, when they did have chances to break away, the LCL backline led by Harley Bennett, was able to get the better of the attackers.


The second half brought with it a very similar story to the first, with both sides batting for that all important second goal.


Indeed, City almost had a chance early in the half, when another ball sent in by Hopcroft caused havoc in the Sunderland backline, with both Carly Girasoli and Bennett having shots on goal.


But would be our number 19, Sarah Ewens, who would once again prove to be the difference.


A pin-point ball in from Lucy Fitzgerald, was able to be glanced in by Ewens and see the Lionesses double their advantage.


The rest of the contest continued to be strongly contested in the driving rain of the north-east, but it was London City who held firm and saw the game out to take all three points.


Head Coach, Melissa Phillips


An incredibly professional performance by the group throughout. We had to really persevere to create our chances and take them well.


Sunderland are not an easy team to break down and have been potent on the counter, so to come away with 2 goals and a clean sheet is a brilliant result.


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