Sunderland were crowned Northern Division champions following their 4-0 victory over North End at Preston Sports Arena.
Preston were able to contain the visitors, restricting them to a 1-0 lead at the interval, but the Black Cats' dominance told in the second half and they eventually were to return to the north east four goals to the good and with a place in the top flight of women's football.
Preston started brightly enough, forcing the first corner of the game but the visiting defence cleared. Opportunities then fell to the visitors with Jordan Nobbs shooting over and Kelly McDougall heading wide. A Vicky Greenwell free kick veered wide with Danielle Gibbons in the Preston goal saving from Nobbs on the hour mark.
North End continued to defend well but were unfortunate to concede just before the interval, a ball played down the Sunderland right found Demi Stokes who beat the offside trap and produced a perfect cross which was struck home by Jordan Nobbs.
North End's Sarah Walker produced a shot on target just prior to the half time whistle but the Wearsiders were to maintain their advantage at the break.
Into the second half, North End had the opening chance with Sarah Walker shooting wide. A succession of free kicks in the home side's favour proved fruitless and it was the visitors who then had further opportunities to extend their lead with Nobbs shooting over and Gibbons gathering a Natalie Gutteridge header. Sophie Williams then shot on target.
Twenty minutes into the half, Preston manager Stammers made his first substitution with Louise Cafferkey replacing Linny Craig. But minutes later Lucy Staniforth's delivery sailed into the top corner to give a relieved Sunderland side a 2-0 advantage. The hard working Cadwallader then made way for Hannah Bailey.
Sunderland then believed they had extended their lead further in the 73rd minute but the linesman ruled offside.
Further substitutions followed with Sarah Walker being replaced by Mel Bartley for the home team and Sophie Halliday making way for Gemma Wilson for the visitors.
Preston's best opportunities fell to substitute Bailey who was unluckily beaten to a through ball by the Sunderland keeper Rachel Laws before seeing her next attempt go over after her timely beating of the offside trap.
Stokes then provided the corner that Gutteridge headed home for the visitors' third goal with Nobbs obtaining her second and completing the scoring minutes before the final whistle.
Preston manager Stammers felt the scoreline somewhat flattered the opposition after his team had put in a good display against the best team in the league.
This being the last fixture of the 2008/09 campaign sees North End finish in eighth position. A well earned break follows, then pre season training and tournaments in preparation for the opening game of the 2009/10 season in August.
PNE: Danielle Gibbons, Sarah Jones, Louise Belcher, Abbie Blackett, Vikki Eastwood, Laura Walker, Mel Martin, Sarah Berry (Capt), Linny Craig, Sarah Walker, Sam Cadwallader. Subs: Louise Cafferkey, Mel Bartley, Hannah Bailey, Amie Davison, Laura Todhunter.
Sunderland - Rachael Laws, Lucy Bronze, Sophie Halliday, Jordan Nobbs, Stephanie Bannon (Capt), Vicky Greenwell, Lucy Staniforth, Kelly McDougall, Nicola Devine, Natalie Gutteridge, Demi Stokes. Subs: Sophie Williams, Sarah Danby, Gemma Wilson, Becky Salicki, Steph O'Brien.
Referee: L Power
Assistants: D Heighways & G Hargreaves
