Sunderland close in on title

The FA Women's Premier League
Sunday 18 March 2012
Round-up

Sunderland are just four points away from retaining their FA Women's Premier League title after winning 2-0 at Charlton with goals from Natalie Gutteridge and Rachel Furness.

The champions went ahead after 13 minutes when Gutteridge headed home and sealed victory four minutes later with a header from Furness.

Only the fact that Leeds won 3-0 against Reading keeps the title race alive. But with the top two each having only two games of the season left and the Black Cats currently three points clear, four more points will see them finish the job.

Leeds' win at least keeps them in the hunt. They went ahead through Clare Sykes after 35 minutes and wrapped up victory late in the match with further goals from Amy Turner and Sarah Danby.

Leeds cannot be caught by teams below them, with both Charlton and Barnet too far behind.

Barnet drew 0-0 at Aston Villa - a match in which Villa keeper Megan Walsh was outstanding.

Meanwhile Coventry won 2-0 at Cardiff with goals from Jade Formaston and Nicole Dale.