Sunderland Women are currently facing a challenging period as they strive to get their campaign on track following a tough start, which has been further exacerbated by the absence of captain Brianna Westrup due to a serious injury. Westrup’s fractured fibula has sidelined her for the remainder of the year, resulting in a significant setback for the team as they look to recover from disappointing results and improve their performances.
Looking ahead to their upcoming fixture against London City Lionesses, Sunderland is aware of the tough task at hand, with their opponents seeking promotion and having made substantial investments during the summer transfer window. Despite the hurdles they face, head coach Mel Reay remains positive and focused on the team’s development and progression on the field.
Reflecting on their recent 3-0 loss to Southampton, Reay is keen to build on the positives that emerged from the game and address areas that need improvement. She stresses the importance of learning from mistakes, maintaining confidence, and being brave on the ball to create opportunities and avoid conceding preventable goals.
While striker Eleanor Dale may have been left disappointed after missing a penalty in the previous match, Reay expresses her unwavering support and belief in Dale’s ability to find the back of the net when presented with chances. As Sunderland prepares to face London City Lionesses, the team is determined to show resilience and fight back, showcasing their determination to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger in the upcoming fixtures.
