The Lasses looking to arrest slump

SUNDERLAND Ladies must arrest a slump in form if they are to resurrect fading hopes of making the WSL2 playoff.

- By JOHN MIDDLETON

The Black Cats travel to Bristol City on Sunday, a team seven points ahead in that all important third spot. Sunderland haven't won a match since mid September, which has seen them fall down the table at speed.

However, their last game a draw against Durham in the League Cup group stage (after which they gained a bonus point in the penalty shootout) saw signs of a resurgence.

Mel Reay will hope for more of the same from her team. It was a battling performance and they created chances - they will need to against a Bristol side who beat them a month ago by two goals in six at Eppleton.

Durham welcome Ipswich to Maiden Castle after two derby draws and a good point down at Southampton. The international break didn’t come at the best time and players will be returning from Venezuela and Australasia.