Hepple and Scarr set for big test

AFTER a characteristic tight start to the WSL2 season, the three North East teams find themselves together in the table, with the first derby of this imminent.

- By JOHN MIDDLETON

Sunderland, having earned a point against last year's runners-up Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light last weekend, face Durham at Eppleton tonight.

Emily Scarr will be looking to score her third goal in three games. The Bishop Auckland-born striker has returned to a central striking role at the beginning of this season in the absence of Eleanor Dale.

Durham head coach Adam Furness expressed his disappointment after Sunday's defeat at home to Charlton, having taken the lead, but told The Durham Roarcast podcast that the derby was the perfect way to recover.