SUNDERLAND LADIES 2 NOTTS COUNTY 1

BETH MEAD'S stunning strike snatched a last-minute victory in stoppage time as Sunderland leapfrogged ahead of opponents Notts County in WSL1.

Sunderland started the game just as well as defender Hayley Sharp latched on to Victoria Greenwell’s free-kick at the back post in the second minute, heading past on-loan Arsenal and England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain.

But on 17 minutes, Jess Clarke fired home for 12 yards out following a fine through ball from Leanne Crichton and Danielle Buet’s initial good work in the tackle.

Mead nearly put Sunderland ahead eight minutes into the second half. The striker rushed in behind the County back line but took too big a first touch, allowing Chamberlain to close her down and put her off at the final moment.

The visitors had thought they’d won though in the 89th minute, Ellen White again breaking the offside trap but new Sunderland signing Hilde Gunn Olsen was there to deny the England International with a brilliant one-on-one save

And in the first minute of injury time, Mead latched on to an Abbey Joice pass in the penalty area and fired past Chamberlain with a fizzing, right-footed shot to secure all three points for the home side.

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Sunderland Ladies (4-2-3-1): Hilde Gunn Olson, Abby Holmes, Stephanie Bannon (C), Hayley Sharp (Victoria Williams 27), Victoria Greenwell, Rachel Furness, Keira Ramshaw (Emma Kelly 88), Brooke Chaplen, Kelly McDougall, Stephanie Roche (Abbey Joice 63).

Subs not used: Gemma Wilson, Sarah McFadden

Goals: Hayley Sharp (2), Beth Mead (90+1)

Notts County Ladies (4-2-3-1): Siobhan Chamberlain, Sophie Walton, Alex Greenwood, Fern Whelan (Dunia Susi 7), Laura Bassett (C), Dani Buet, Leanne Critchon, Amy Turner, Jess Clarke, Rachel Williams (Aileen Whelan 75), Ellen White.

Subs not used: Ashleigh Plumptre, Laura-Jayne O’Neill

Goals: Jess Clarke (17)

Attendance: 955