Match Preview: Sunderland (A) (1).

The final three games of the season are upon the Robins and the rest of the league as three huge fixtures await Lauren Smith's side to determine the fate of their season.

There has been plenty of twists and turns so far this season but the Robins' focus can't stray from the task at hand away to the Black Cats on Sunday.

Defeat at the hands of Sheffield United was a disappointment before the international break, however if there is one thing that this City side have shown this season it's that they know how to bounce back.

An away win will go a long way to restoring momentum and confidence ahead of a huge tie at Ashton Gate against Charlton and take the side one step closer to their goal of top spot come April 30th. 

There are no fresh injury concerns for Lauren Smith's side a they go full steam ahead into the next three weeks.

🎥 WATCH NAOMI LAYZELL'S PREVIEW

🆚 OUR OPPONENTS: SUNDERLAND

Formed: 1989
Stadium: Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
Nickname: The Black Cats, The Lasses
Head Coach: Melanie Raey
Finish last season: 9th

Sunderland are on course to finish the season in a similar fashion as they did the last, towards the lower end of the Championship table.

Currently sat in 10th they'll have their sights set on surpassing Sheffield United who are currently level on points but sit above the Black Cats on goal difference.

Prior to the international break, the Lasses had hit a patch of form going on a three-match unbeaten run be before losing in their last outing at the hands of Crystal Palace.

In their run of from they hit three past Coventry United to secure maximum points as well as picking up a further two points after entertaining draws against Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic.

Sunderland have not been the easiest of opponents to navigate in the past for the Robins having only picked up a point from their two meetings last season as well as City only managing to fire one past the Black Cats on their visit to the Robins High Performance Centre earlier this season.

⏮ MATCH REWIND

Result: Sunderland 2-2 Bristol City
When: 01.05.2022
Competition: Barclays Women's Championship

Despite a number of early chances for the Robins it was the hosts who opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Keira Ramshaw - the Sunderland captain heading in from close range following a free-kick on the right.

City had to wait until the second half to find a response as five minutes after the restart Melissa Johnson scored with a header of her own from a Ffion Morgan corner-kick.

Morgan then put City ahead as she was quickest to react to Chloe Bull’s shot being parried and fired into the roof of the next to give City the advantage.

However, the Black Cats found a way back into the game as Jessica Brown levelled up the scores late on.

ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS:

When: Sunday, April 14th (12:30pm)
Where: Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
Competition: Barclays Women's Championship

🚌 TRAVEL

By Car:
Supporters travelling by car can park and walk from Hetton School which is a short walk from the ground - DH5 9JZ

By Train:
The nearest train station is Seaham, which is a 20 minute drive from the stadium.

By Bus:
Eppleton CW has great bus transport links from Sunderland, Durham, Seaham and Peterlee. 

If you’re travelling from Sunderland, board the number 35A bus at Sunderland Interchange ‘Stand M’ and get off at at Hetton-le-Hole Interchange 'Stand C'.

🎟 TICKETS & STREAMING

Tickets are priced from £7 for adults, while Student and Under-16s can watch for just £1. 

Over-65 ticket prices are set at £3.

The game will be streamed live on Sunderland's Twitter page (@SAFCWomen).