SUNDERLAND Ladies concluded their FA WSL 1 preparations with a comfortable derby win over Durham Women.
After falling behind to an early penalty Carlton Fairweather’s side dominated the game but found former Lady Black Cats keeper Helen Alderson in fine form.
But a first-half effort from Keira Ramshaw followed by goals from new signing Suzanne Mulvey and a header from Rachel Furness in the second sealed the win.
Sunderland got off to the worst possible start as Amelia Pereira was brought down by Hayley Sharp after just three minutes. Beth Hepple stepped up to put the hosts in front, sending Rachael Laws the wrong way.
Durham get their FA WSL 2 season underway away to Doncaster Belles Rovers on Thursday night, while Sunderland begin their first season in the top flight against reigning champions Liverpool next Wednesday.
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