Women's Preview: Sunderland vs Saints
Southampton FC Women return to Barclays Women's Super League 2 action with a long journey to face Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
THE MATCH
Sunderland vs Saints
Barclays Women's Super League 2
Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
Sunday 25th January, 2pm
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Saints will be aiming to carry on from their impressive start to 2026 in the Barclays WSL2, after a resounding 4-0 win in the south coast derby at St Mary's two weeks ago.
The win was followed by a late extra time defeat against Bristol City in the Adobe Women's FA Cup, leaving Simon Parker's side with a clear focus on league matters for the remainder of the season.
Saints sit 6th in the league table and are able to look up, rather than over their shoulders, with a four point gap up to the promotion places.
Saints will want to continue on from their derby day win (Photo: Chris Moorhouse)
Sunderland were also narrowly beaten in the FA Cup in their last outing, in a 1-0 defeat against London City Lionesses live on TNT Sports last week.
The upcoming clash with Saints will be their first in the league this calendar year, after their return to action against Durham was postponed two weeks ago.
Mel Reay's side have been cut slightly adrift in the mid-table pack, as they sit eighth with 12 points in the league - two places but a full six points behind Saints.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Earlier this season, both sides played out a 1-1 draw at St Mary's, as Chloe Peplow's equaliser in first half stoppage time cancelled out Katy Watson's opener.
In the North East last year, however, Saints ran out 3-0 winners in a game of spectacular strikes, as both Rianna Dean and Molly Pike lobbed the goalkeeper from impressive range with the former getting a brace on the day.
WHAT KIT ARE SAINTS WEARING?
Simon Parker's side will be in the black and red third strip on Sunday, for the first time since their trip to Brighton in the Subway Women's League Cup.
FAMILIAR FACES
Sunday's fixture marks a return to Eppleton Colliery for Saints centre back Amy Goddard, who joined the club after leaving a two year spell wuth Black Cats last summer.
SUNDAY'S OFFICIALS
Referee: Lucy May
Assistant Referee: Charlotte Jacques-Smith
Assistant Referee: David Mitchell
Fourth Official: Magdalena Golba
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are available on Sunderland's website, priced at £10 for Adults, £8 for Over-65s and £6 for Under-22s, with a £22 family ticket offer for two adults and two kids.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
There are a very limited number of accessible parking bays that be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, by emailing [email protected] no later than 48 hours before kick-off.
Ahead of the long journey, we advise that travelling supporters read our hosts' dedicated matchday guide.
CAN’T MAKE IT ON SUNDAY?
This season, all league matches will be broadcast live on the Barclays Women's Super League 2 YouTube channel, with coverage starting shortly before kick-off.
There will be live updates and plenty of behind-the-scenes access on our dedicated social media accounts as always, with full match highlights to follow after the game:
