Lasses Match Report: A Late Dose Of The Blues For Mel Reay’s Side

Sunderland team huddles at kick-off during the FA Women's Championship match between Birmingham City and Sunderland at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham, on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Sunderland travelled to the Midlands with a sense of freedom that only a mid‑table side can afford at this stage of the season — yet they played with the intensity of a team with something far heavier on the line and Birmingham were the ones under pressure. Their squad has been built for promotion; their expectations were set months ago and a win would’ve taken them top on goal difference.

Sunderland, meanwhile, arrived with enforced changes amid a congested schedule and with the freedom to experiment in the final fixtures. None of that stopped them from rising to the occasion — if anything, it sharpened them. Mel Reay's XI to face the Blues 👊 #BIRSUN | #WSL2 pic.

twitter. com/6biRjowjXF — Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) April 1, 2026 Mel Reay’s selection reflected both necessity and opportunity, with Demi Lambourne in goal, Caragh Hamilton at left back, Jessica Brown on the right and the centre half pairing of Brianna Westrup and Chloe Paxton remaining intact. Paxton’s debut on Sunday had been outstanding, so her inclusion felt like a reward rather than a gamble.

Jamie Finn replaced the suspended Marissa Sheva in midfield, partnering Natasha Fenton. Emily Scarr took the left flank, Katy Watson the right, Libbi McInnes stepped in for Katie Kitching in the number ten role, and Eleanor Dale led the line. Birmingham began with the bulk of possession, moving the ball with purpose and trying to impose themselves early, but Sunderland refused to be rattled.