Both sides contested a close-fought game

Sunderland beat rivals Lincoln OOH 3-2 to go top of Womens' Premier League North at Hetton on Sunday.

Striker Sophie Williams hit a second-half brace to give the Wearsiders a precious win after they went into the break 2-1 down.

Lincoln striker Jodie Michalska twice gave them a first-half lead after Sunderland forward Natalie Gutteridge headed an equaliser.

Gutteridge could have added a fourth in the final moments but hit the bar.

Manager Mick Mulhern was delighted with the display, particularly in bouncing back from conceding early and hopes the ladies can continue to show title form this season.

"Perhaps we gave them too much respect early on as we stood off and allowed them to play," he said.

"At half-time we discussed the problems we were creating for ourselves and the second half showing was full of character as we came back against a very good Lincoln side who played like league leaders.

"We are at the top now and are there to be shot at. We have to keep doing the things we are good at and show the character of champions."