Black Cats eye victory

Sunderland v Birmingham City
The FA Women's Premier League
2pm, Sunday 18 October

After reaching last season's FA Women's Cup Final, Sunderland WFC manager Mick Mulhern knew his side were more than capable of succeeding on their return to The FA Women's Premier League after a two year absence.

The Black Cats host Birmingham on Sunday looking to get their season back on track after suffering two defeats on the bounce, against Everton and then Chelsea.

The only ladies football team in the North East and a renowned breeding ground for international players, Mulhern is happy with his side's start to the campaign and is certainly confident they have the ability to raise a few eyebrows.

"We're aiming for sixth this season and we're more than capable if we can produce impressive home form," he explained.

"We're new in the league but it's clear that, with the exception of Everton and Arsenal, all the teams can beat each other.

"We have an inexperienced squad and conceded sloppy goals when we lost last week against Chelsea, but the girls will learn from that.

Sunderland had a magical season last year, storming to promotion from Premier League Northern Division as well reaching the Women's FA Cup Final, which they narrowly lost 2-1 to Arsenal.

They currently lie seventh in the league, which is lopsided due to late starts to the season for Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea.

"Just from a psychological point of view, it gives us a boost," added Mulhern.

"The mental side of the game is so important these days and the atmosphere around the club is positive at the moment.

"Birmingham are in a very similar situation to us so it would be nice to take points off them and put last week's 3-1 loss against Chelsea to rest."