Sunderland Women's head coach disappointed in derby-day defeat

SUNDERLAND WOMEN head coach Mel Reay admitted her side 'did not do enough' to win the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle, despite backing from a league-record crowd.

"The result was the most important thing, it was a derby and ultimately we didn't do enough to get over the line," she said.

"Hopefully, it was a good game for all the fans that turned up. Unbelievable atmosphere for our first game here, so big shout out to fans who came to support the team and hopefully they'll come back.

"There wasn't much in the game and ultimately we were on the wrong side of the scoreline. It's not a nice feeling. But they're a determined group of players and we're determined to put it right next week."

A brace from Beth Lumsden saw Newcastle win despite a late rally via an Emily Scarr goal. Reay was happy to see the crowd turn-out despite the result.

"Yes, we haven't won today, but stick with the team. They're a good, hard-working bunch of players who are going to put a shift in every time they perform here," she said.

"If we're going to play here regularly we want to play in front of a big crowd."

The game seemed as though it would turn in Sunderland's favour in the last 15 minutes, but some resolute defending from Newcastle, including from former Sunderland goalkeeper Claudia Moan, shut the game out as a penalty shout was dismissed by the referee.

"I thought it was a real battle out there, good performance from both teams," Reay said.

"Bit frustrated with some of the decisions. I thought it was a stonewall penalty to get the game level and they're big calls and big moments in games like this."

When asked what the difference was between the teams on the pitch, Reay said: "They've put the ball in the back of the net twice and we haven't.

"I think it was close. I don't think there was loads of good football on display, the ball was in the air quite a lot and the midfield couldn't get their foot on the ball.

"We put Libbi [McInnes] on in the ten role to try and get a foothold of the game and to be fair to her, she's really clever with the ball at her feet.

"That's what we wanted her to try and do - work hard to find little pockets of space and try and thread balls into half-space to get crosses in. I thought she showed real energy."