A welcome return

Sunderland v Nottingham Forest
The FA Women's Premier League
Sunday 30 August
The Hetton Centre, Sunderland WFC

FA Cup runners-up Sunderland are relishing the chance of playing their first game back in the top flight on home soil when they welcome Nottingham Forest to the Hetton Centre on Sunday.

Forest gained their first point of the season at Birmingham last weekend but threw away a two goal lead to miss out on all three. Sunderland then won their opening game 2-0 at Bristol Academy, but lost 2-1 to Watford last weekend.

Sunderland's club secretary, Lindsey Robinson, said: "We are excited to be back at our own ground, where the pitch is in perfect condition for us to play our football.

"Forest won't make it easy for us and it will be a very interesting game, but it is vital we come away with three points."

Sunderland reclaimed their Premier League status last season after a two year absence and Robinson added: "The club have wanted to get back into the top flight for a while, it has been like a yo-yo but the team is excited and it is great for the region to have a local team to come and see."

Sunderland lost out in the final of The FA Cup last season, losing 2-1 to Arsenal in a closely fought encounter at Pride Park, but that is a match that is still firmly in the mind for everyone involved at the north-east club.

"Even now we can't believe it," admitted Robinson. 

"It wasn't just a game where Arsenal were walking all over us, we held our own. Even the Semi-Final when we played at the Stadium of Light was something none of the girls dreamed they would be doing."

With strong teams such as Arsenal and Everton yet to play due to Euro 2009 , Sunderland know how important a good start to the season is, but are not afraid of playing the bigger teams.

"We've had a good start in the league but we will eventually have to play the likes of Arsenal and Everton. We will go into those games expecting to win. If you don't then you've already lost.

"We want to cause a few upsets and they will be the vital points in the season."