Sunderland AFC Women boss Mel Reay revelling in pressure of being Championship top dogs

Sunderland Women boss Mel Reay is revelling in the pressure as the Black Cats remain top of the Championship as they look to continue their unbeaten start to their campaign.

Reay’s side came out victors in the local derby with rivals Durham last time out in the league, thanks to a Katie Kitching free-kick on the stroke of half-time; however, were beaten in the Conti Cup by Durham in mid-week on penalties after a 2-2 draw at full-time.

Perched three points clear of chasers Charlton and Southampton, the Black Cats turn their attention back to increasing their lead when they host mid-table opposition Blackburn on Sunday.

As a result of their defeatless beginning to the campaign, Reay is aware that this bodes a certain level of expectation that a hungry opposition will come looking to knock the Black Cats off their pedestal - but Reay has insisted that Sunderland are not afraid, but enjoying this.

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She told her pre-Blackburn press conference: “It’s a nice pressure (being top of the league). That is why we are here, that is what we want to do, we want to win football games and we’re really enjoying it. We’re really in a good place, the team is really confident - cliche as it is, we just take one game at a time.”

Reflecting on the Durham Conti Cup loss in mid-week, in which Sunderland made seven changes from the side which bested their local rivals in the league four days earlier, Reay confessed she was disappointed in the manner of the first goal her side conceded - when the Black Cats defence offered Durham forward Mollie Lambert acres of space and ample time to drive forward and slot one past keeper Megan Borthwick.

Reay said: “I was disappointed we conceded early and in that manner, but after the goal I thought we dominated the first-half and it was some of the best football I have seen us play for a while.”

After rotating over half of the side for the midweek affair, it highlights the strength in depth which Sunderland possess in their ranks - a facet of the side that Reay hailed.

“I think it’s important (to rotate the side), I was delighted to bring the young players into the squad.. These players are there on merit and deserved their opportunity.”

The Black Cats could be without marauding midfielder Jenna Dear after she suffered a shoulder injury during the victory over Durham, Reay stated that she was in consultation with a specialist on Friday - but remained tight-lipped as to whether Dear would make a return to the side to face Rovers.

Sunderland are hunting to continue their stellar start to the campaign, and break into a double-figure unbeaten stretch, when they host Blackburn Rovers at Eppleton on Sunday (2pm kick-off).