Sunderland AFC Women v Newcastle: El Lassico

SAFC Women's players celebrate during their 4-1 win over Bristol City | Kasey Taylor

placeholder image — SAFC Women's players celebrate during their 4-1 win over Bristol City | Kasey Taylor

One of the biggest games in the Women’s Super League 2 calendar returns to the Stadium of Light next month, as two teams at the top of the table battle it out in a match being dubbed ‘El Lassico’.

Sunderland AFC Women take on visitors Newcastle United in the women’s Wear-Tyne derby on November 15th and, while matches between the two teams are always competitive affairs, the first league meeting between them this season comes with added excitement.

Both sides are currently unbeaten in the league this season, and occupy 1st and 2nd place in the WSL2. With only one automatic promotion space up for grabs, a win for either side would put them in pole position.

A 10,000-strong crowd took in the compelling 1-1 draw back in March, where Sunderland starlet Katy Watson opened the scoring inside 20 minutes, before Newcastle equalised late in the second half through Finnish international Oona Sevenius.

Entertainment and hospitality

This year’s Stadium of Light showdown is already shaping up to be another thriller, and will once again be an entertaining day out for all of the family, with pre-match activities suitable for all ages in and around the stadium from 12.30pm, and hospitality packages to be announced.

The WSL’s Fan Choice initiative will be in place, meaning that supporters can enjoy alcoholic drinks in their seats during the game.

After finishing 8th last season, the Black Cats have been bolstered by a number of impressive summer signings, including striker Elise Hughes, who leads the club’s goalscoring charts with four in just five games. They also secured the signings of established internationals Atlanta Primus, Kassandra Missipo and Sanni Franssi – who arrived on a season-long loan from WSL title-chasers London City Lionesses.

While the team has enjoyed a boost in the form of these new arrivals, local Lasses Katy Watson, Chloe Paxton and Jessica Brown, among others, have all played equally key roles in the season so-far. This mix of local young talent and more established names have made Mel Reay’s side one to watch this season, scoring 7 goals in their first 2 home games and playing some brilliant football.

Tickets from just £2

With the derby taking place during the men’s international break, and with tickets starting at just £2 for U18s and £8 for adults, there’s never been a better time to get behind the Lasses.

The two sides recently met in the Subway Player’s Cup at Gateshead International Stadium, where SAFC beat Newcastle United with a 1-0 result, thanks to a goal from Katie Kitching and a spectacular penalty save from Noa Schumacher. They will certainly be looking for a repeat result on home soil in November.

Katy Watson celebrates opening the scoring at last year's Wear-Tyne derby | Kasey Taylor

Enter competition

Sunderland AFC is giving one lucky reader the chance to win 4 tickets to this fixture. Head over to https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1s4sMMRQYT8C_VrsifTL8qQ2et7ss to enter.

Buy tickets

To buy tickets now, visit the SAFC website.

Adults: £8 | Over 65s and Students: £6 | U18: £2