22 August 2005
Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea: Highlights
Donna Lanaghan and Nicki de la Salle look back at the action from Sunday's FAWPL clash between Sunderland and Chelsea.

Reigning FA Nationwide Women's Premier Division champions Arsenal kept their 100 per cent record yesterday against Leeds United, but had to display some true grit to win 4-3.

Last season Leeds finished comfortably in mid-table without threatening the front-runners, but yesterday they took a two goal lead through England U19 defender Sophie Clough, and an own goal by Faye White.

Arsenal came firing back and got back on level terms through England U19 forward Lianne Sanderson, and Gemma Davidson who made her U21 debut for England during last month's Nordic Cup.

Rachel McArthur's first goal for Arsenal put put Arsenal 3-2 in front, but Leeds came back and restored parity through Lucy Ward.

With just seven minutes remaining Sanderson struck her second goal of the afternoon to give Arsenal all three points at their Borehamwood ground, leaving Leeds justifiably disappointed, having to travel back up the M1 with nothing, having ran The Gunners so close.

Last season's runners-up Charlton Athletic got off to a winning start against Doncaster Rovers Belles, winning 1-0 at Gravesend & Northfleet.

Amanda Barr looked to have made a first minute impact as she headed home Jo Potter's cross but it was ruled out for a foul on Cath Beaver, in the Belles goal.

Beaver made two good saves in the first-half to deny Barr and Eniola Aluko. Charlton weren't having it all their own way, as Pauline Cope made a superb point blank save when her goal was threatened by Carle Cantrell.

The skilful play of Potter down the left flank was a constant threat to the visitors saw her low drive from outside the area pushed round the post.

The Addicks piled on the pressure and after 66 minutes, the breakthrough eventually came and it was a goal worth waiting for. Inevitably, Potter was the creator with a left wing cross that picked out Gemma Ritchie, who controlled the ball before sending a powerful volley into the top far corner of the goal.

Potter, a close-season signing from Birmingham City has been on the periphery of the England Senior squad for the past twelve months, and along with four other debutantes yesterday, will behoping to impress Hope Powell ahead of England's first World Cup qualifier against Austria in Amstetten on 1 September.

Former Arsenal youngster and England U19 international Dunia Susi scored her second goal in as many games for Fulham as they earnt their first point of the new season at home to Bristol Academy.

Her England U19 colleague and Captain Katie Holtham had given The Gas Girls the lead on 47 minutes, but Susi levelled on 70 minutes after a cross from former Charlton player Jodian Clarke.

In the game between the two newly promoted sides, Sunderland continued their good start with a 1-1 draw, although it is a result that Chelsea will be happier with.

Chelsea took the lead in 56 minutes with a Nicki de la Salle penalty, before Sunderland equallised with just six minutes left on the clock, through Donna Lanaghan. 

National Division

Arsenal 4-3 Leeds United
Charlton Athletic 1-0 Doncaster Rovers Belles
Fulham 1-1 Bristol Academy
Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea

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