Sunderland ladies hockey club have been in the National League since its inception, playing in division one against strong competition such as Doncaster and Loughborough students, it is hardly surprising that this season, like previous ones, has been challenging and has tested the team morale that the Sunderland girls pride themselves on.

At the close of last season, key players were lost which meant a fresh approach was needed. Although solid performances from the defence, a hard-working midfield, and a dynamic forward line, it has taken time for the girls to get the results they deserve.

By Christmas, nine matches had been played, with losses against Hounslow and Ealing, Loughborough Students, Wimbledon, Liverpool and Harleston Magpies. However, the girls never showed remorse and managed to secure two great wins against Woking at home and Old Loughtonians away as well as acquiring a 1-1 draw with Doncaster, who were relegated from the premier division last season, and a 0-0 draw at home with Reading who currently hold the top position in the league.

After the Christmas break the team had certainly gained in confidence and strength, and there was a return to league action for both Emma Pledge and Debbie Birkbeck, who had both been recovering from broken thumbs. Unfortunately Sunderland's hard work and grit determination did not pay off in the first fixture against Reading away and they suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Sunderland could take many positive aspects from the game and build on them at training sessions.

Last Saturday they faced Hounslow and Ealing on the new water-based pitch at the Durham university sports fields, which has been their new home since the beginning of the season. Having suffered a 5-0 defeat on the away leg, the girls knew this match would present a real challenge and teamwork throughout was essential to secure a worthy result. This time the result truly reflected the team's performance with goals scored by Lisa Garbutt slotting two in and Michelle Simpson and Julie Hope also adding to the scoreline. Hounslow and Ealing certainly put up a good fight, managing to score twice, but were unable to beat off such attacking and fluid play by the Sunderland girls.

This latest result is what the girls have been waiting, the team currently lie seventh in the league.