DONT MISS OUT; Battle for Promotion: Can our Lasses keep their lead as rivals chase a gripping final run in?

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underland Women have just 5 games remaining of their thrilling season and sit in 1st place. But what are our fellow promotion contenders’ chances?

In Ancient Rome, soon after overthrowing a tyrannical king, new hope was found in a fledgling republic. Rome’s borders didn’t span the continent, they didn’t even have Italy. Centuries of impending war, culture and history lay in future misted fog. But first, this small upstart city had to defend itself against its neighbours who threatened to cross the Tiber.

One loyal soldier stood in the way, Claudia Moan.

Well, it was actually Horatius Cocles but you see where I’m going here.

He held the bridge against an entire army, ordering it brought down behind him in the face of overwhelming odds. Once the bridge was destroyed and Rome saved from invasion he swam the Tiber to a hero’s welcome.

an our Lasses make one final stand after such an epic season?

Can they hold their ground and make it impossible for their opponents on the fields of battle to follow them to future glory?

To be promoted to the annals of history, victorious and held in our eyes with glory?

This is it.

We the fans who have sung and cheered them through wind and rain on the terraces at Eppleton. To the itinerant preachers amongst us who travelled unfettered across this nation to cheer them on at every stage.

We can do it. We can reclaim our rightful place in the top league amongst the strongest teams in the land. Where we would have been had it not been for off field shenanigans and Premier League clubs with no history in the women’s game supplanting those with a legacy to be proud of.

In order of league position, let’s look at fixtures for the final sprint to the finish line

The Lasses’ chances will likely hinge on their final games against Charlton and Palace, both of whom currently have 2 games in hand and trail by 4pts.

Sunderland have the best keeper in the league with Claudia Moan between the sticks. 8 clean sheets and the fewest goals conceded in the league, (tied with Charlton, but remember those additional games).

Our set piece queens in Katie Kitching and Tash Fenton threaten with every corner and free kick.

Our full backs with the elegant Grace Ede, the indomitable Lou Griffiths and the ever reliable Jess Brown can all strike like coiled vipers on a counter.

The insouciant midfield who out-pass and press from halfway with a casual nonchalance as if to say that this game holds no challenge to them at all.

We have wingers with more laser focused fury than a tabloid journalist courting controversy.

Emily Scarr who is swift to deliver goal after goal with the precision of an apex predator in their prime.

Brianna Westrup, the best bloody footballer with an accent half a world away.

Amy Goddard, who towers over her domain like the great ships that were built here by hard graft and pride.

Every single player in this team, named and unnamed here has reason to be proud of their season. They are more than deserving of the badge, the club is blessed to have such camaraderie and dedication from a unit so close knit it’s like watching an episode of Band of Brothers.

They have never looked stronger, and if they can recreate the 9 undefeated game run from earlier this season, then they will do it.

Bring it home Lasses, we will be cheering for you all the way.