The defender, a legend in the game, is to take up a new role working for the England women’s national team under new manager Phil Neville, and her arrival on the pitch was greeted by a guard of honour by both teams.
After the back-to-back defeats in the Women’s Super League, this was an important victory for Scott Rogers’ charges as the Reds now go six points clear of the Lady Black Cats and back into third spot over Arsenal.
Jess Clarke netted a double strike and Bethany England also continued her rich scoring vein of form.