Mel Reay drops ‘special’ verdict after Sunderland Women drama
Mel Reay was full of praise for her Sunderland Women side as they ran out winners in a seven goal thriller against Bristol City on Sunday.
Katie Hitching was on the scoresheet twice alongside Eleanor Dale, earning Sunderland Women their second successive victory with a 4-3 win against Bristol City on Sunday, 3 November.
The Black Cats went 1-0 up early in the game but found themselves 2-1 down at half time, sparking an incredible second-half comeback that Reay was pleased with.
Speaking after the game to Sunderland club channels, she said: “Delighted with going 1-0 up. I thought we struggled after that to be honest, Bristol really got a foothold in the half and we dropped too deep at times and gave them too much respect.
“That opening 15 minutes in the second half is what I see all the time and my challenge to the players is to see that more often. They’re a special team when they play like that.”
Sunderland Women may have found their form again
Their win against Bristol City was their second straight league victory following their previous derby day victory against Durham United Women.
Dale has been in excellent form for the Black Cats so far and her brace against Bristol City was a testament to that.
Grace McCatty was named on the bench after rejoining the club last week despite announcing her retirement earlier in the year.
The result doesn’t do awfully much for their position in the table but it provides a platform for Reay’s side to build from and a chance to gain some momentum.
The Wearsiders currently find themselves eighth in the table, but only six points behind league leaders Birmingham who have also played an extra game.
Last season, Reay’s side came close to achieving promotion and hopefully, these two recent victories can put them in good stead to fight for a similar achievement in the current campaign.
In other Sunderland news, Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Alan Browne will start in midfield in the absence of Jobe Bellingham against Preston.
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