roker report 
29-04-2024 20:57
29-04-2024 20:57
Lasses Report: Palace 0-0 Sunderland — Golden Glove-winning Moan & a 3rd place finish
With a freshly brewed McDonald’s coffee in one hand and a stack of marmalade sandwiches in the other, this Lasses fan set off at 6am sharp from the Stadium of Light on the supporters’ coach down to South London for our final game of a thrilling season.
A campaign of brilliant highs and some frantic lows, watching the women bounce, hover and finally capitulate at the top of the table, the 2023-24 season has showcased one of the most positive Sunderland sides in recent memory.
Selhurst Park offered the Lasses the chance to demonstrate their skills on a top-grade pitch in front of a roaring 6796 fans. The only thing lacking was any legroom in the stands. Seriously, that stadium makes even Ryanair look generous for stretching your legs.
The line-up promised something a little different with emerging youth star Libbi McInnes starting as a number 10 behind a frontline of Jones, Scarr and Watson. Not sure if Mel has been re-watching Top Gun but she clearly felt the need for speed against top class opposition on Sunday. The game started well and developed into a promising first half. Palace controlled the lion’s share of possession, estimated 60% from other reports, and had a couple of attempts at goal with Claudia Moan tipping their attempt effortlessly above her crossbar. Sunderland by comparison were comfortable in well drilled counters initiated by laser guided passes from Tash Fenton. Fenton was arguably player of the match with a cool display of orchestrated passes, dictating time and tempo with the consistent rhythm of a Swiss watch.
Louise Griffiths, with the impending danger of Japanese knotweed, grew into the game with each passing minute, threatening the structure of Palace’s attack and keeping Araya Dennis occupied and nullified.
Libbi McInnes proved herself capable and slotted into the side comfortably. For a player of her age and experience it was very encouraging to see such an assured performance from her, she’ll be an asset for our next promotion contention.
Both sides played well but neither was over-committing themselves in the first half, preferring to get the measure of the other by half time.
The second half saw Sunderland find a hidden gear and pull off some excellent counter attacking play. However, with the exception of a screaming long range shot (patent pending for Jenna Dear) that ricocheted off the crossbar, the Lasses struggled to register enough shots on target that threatened the keeper. It’s been a familiar theme in the closing stages of this side’s season and one that will need to be rectified by the coaches or transfer market this summer. Nevertheless, the pressing and intimidation by Sunderland whenever Palace held the ball was a great sight that kept the away fans cheering throughout the match. As full time beckoned you could see that both sides were willing and able to play some great football, but neither was going to sacrifice enough defensive solidity to support a sustained attack that might result in a goal. A goalless draw would suffice for both sides and although neither capitulated with counter-attacks to the last minute, it felt the likely outcome.
With 2 minutes to go Grace McCatty walked onto the pitch to a roar of applause from the fans. Her 112th appearance for Sunderland having steered this side through choppy waters and brought the team to touching distance of silverware, it was a fitting end to such a strong ambassador for the club.
The final whistle blew and with that Crystal Palace were champions. Claudia Moan won the Golden Glove for her 10 clean sheets and Sunderland can be proud of holding the very best in the division to 2 draws and only 1 goal conceded (Durham shipped 14 lol). The team gathered and applauded the fans for their support before posing for a big photo and plenty of laughs. It’s been a real pleasure to watch them play this season, I’m just gutted we have to wait till August for it to start again.
It was midnight when the supporters coach eventually rolled back into the Stadium of Light’s car park. 13 hours of travel and not a minute of it wasted. The coffee and marmalade sandwiches gone, but the pride in this great side will roll on to the next season and we’ll be waiting for them.
Ha’way the Lasses!
A campaign of brilliant highs and some frantic lows, watching the women bounce, hover and finally capitulate at the top of the table, the 2023-24 season has showcased one of the most positive Sunderland sides in recent memory.
Selhurst Park offered the Lasses the chance to demonstrate their skills on a top-grade pitch in front of a roaring 6796 fans. The only thing lacking was any legroom in the stands. Seriously, that stadium makes even Ryanair look generous for stretching your legs.
The line-up promised something a little different with emerging youth star Libbi McInnes starting as a number 10 behind a frontline of Jones, Scarr and Watson. Not sure if Mel has been re-watching Top Gun but she clearly felt the need for speed against top class opposition on Sunday. The game started well and developed into a promising first half. Palace controlled the lion’s share of possession, estimated 60% from other reports, and had a couple of attempts at goal with Claudia Moan tipping their attempt effortlessly above her crossbar. Sunderland by comparison were comfortable in well drilled counters initiated by laser guided passes from Tash Fenton. Fenton was arguably player of the match with a cool display of orchestrated passes, dictating time and tempo with the consistent rhythm of a Swiss watch.
Louise Griffiths, with the impending danger of Japanese knotweed, grew into the game with each passing minute, threatening the structure of Palace’s attack and keeping Araya Dennis occupied and nullified.
Libbi McInnes proved herself capable and slotted into the side comfortably. For a player of her age and experience it was very encouraging to see such an assured performance from her, she’ll be an asset for our next promotion contention.
Both sides played well but neither was over-committing themselves in the first half, preferring to get the measure of the other by half time.
The second half saw Sunderland find a hidden gear and pull off some excellent counter attacking play. However, with the exception of a screaming long range shot (patent pending for Jenna Dear) that ricocheted off the crossbar, the Lasses struggled to register enough shots on target that threatened the keeper. It’s been a familiar theme in the closing stages of this side’s season and one that will need to be rectified by the coaches or transfer market this summer. Nevertheless, the pressing and intimidation by Sunderland whenever Palace held the ball was a great sight that kept the away fans cheering throughout the match. As full time beckoned you could see that both sides were willing and able to play some great football, but neither was going to sacrifice enough defensive solidity to support a sustained attack that might result in a goal. A goalless draw would suffice for both sides and although neither capitulated with counter-attacks to the last minute, it felt the likely outcome.
With 2 minutes to go Grace McCatty walked onto the pitch to a roar of applause from the fans. Her 112th appearance for Sunderland having steered this side through choppy waters and brought the team to touching distance of silverware, it was a fitting end to such a strong ambassador for the club.
The final whistle blew and with that Crystal Palace were champions. Claudia Moan won the Golden Glove for her 10 clean sheets and Sunderland can be proud of holding the very best in the division to 2 draws and only 1 goal conceded (Durham shipped 14 lol). The team gathered and applauded the fans for their support before posing for a big photo and plenty of laughs. It’s been a real pleasure to watch them play this season, I’m just gutted we have to wait till August for it to start again.
It was midnight when the supporters coach eventually rolled back into the Stadium of Light’s car park. 13 hours of travel and not a minute of it wasted. The coffee and marmalade sandwiches gone, but the pride in this great side will roll on to the next season and we’ll be waiting for them.
Ha’way the Lasses!