Women's football: Sunderland claim dramatic late win as Durham kick-off with victory
The Lady Black Cats had held a two-goal cushion thanks to goals from Emily Hutchinson and Lambert, only for the Terriers to peg them back in the second half.
But a late strike from Lambert saw Sunderland steal the win in ahead of a big local derby on Thursday evening.
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Hide AdWith Mel Reay back in the dugout after her time away with England, the visitors started brightly and found themselves ahead after just six minutes - Hutchinson finding the top corner with a fine strike from range.
Lambert then slid the ball past Charlotte Oates to double the advantage in first half stoppage time.
Shortly after the break, however, there would be a lifeline for Huddersfield as Millie Turner prodded home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
And the hosts were level on 54 minutes as Katie Mallin converted from the spot after Grace McCatty’s careless foul on Danby.
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Hide AdIn an end-to-end finale, both teams had their opportunities to win the game – but it would be Sunderland who took their chance.
With just nine minutes remaining, Lambert lashed a shot home from the edge of the area to seal the three points and extend Sunderland’s unbeaten run to three games.
Meanwhile, Durham Women began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United in the newly-rebranded FA Women’s Championship.
Second-half strikes from Becky Salicki and Emily Roberts handed the Wildcats a win against a Sheffield side heavily tipped for promotion this season.