Women's National Premier League title with two games to spare, following their victory over Millwall Lionesses on 3 April 2011. They defended the title two further times in 2012 and 2013. In 2013 they were formally integrated into the Sunderland AFC structure. In the 2014 season Sunderland entered the newly created FA WSL 2. On 26 October 2014, they were crowned inaugural champions of the FA WSL 2, beating Millwall Lionesses 4-0 on the final day of the season to finish two points ahead of Doncaster Belles. As a result, Sunderland returned to the top division, taking their place in the 2015 FA WSL 1. Manager Mick Mulhern, who won more silverware for the Sunderland Ladies than all other combined northern football teams (Men and Women), stepped down after 15 years for work-related commitments. He was replaced by former professional Carlton Fairweather. Before the 2017 Spring Series the club announced they switch to part-time players only after three years of having a mix of half- and full-time players. Prior to the Spring Series, Carlton Fairweather was replaced by his assistant Melanie Copeland, together with her and her new assistant and former player, Victoria Greenwell, they guided the Lady Black Cats to a creditable 5th place finish. Results in the Spring Series included victories against Yeovil Town and Bristol City WFC and draws against Arsenal W.F.C. and Reading F.C. Women. After the Spring Series, Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies moved from their home venue af the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground to Mariners Park home of South Shields FC. However, after a season at Mariners Park, the Lady Black Cats decided to return to their Hetton-le-Hole home, for their debut season in the FA Women's National League North. Recent seasons Key Key to league record: P = Played W = Games won D = Games drawn L = Games lost F = Goals for A = Goals against Pts = Points Pos = Final position Key to divisions: WSL1 = FA Women's Super League 1 WSL2 = FA Women's Super League 2 WPLN = FA Women's Premier League National Division WPLR = FA Women's Premier League Northern Division Key to rounds: QR = Qualifying round Grp = Group stage R1 = Round 1 R2 = Round 2 R3 = Round 3 R4 = Round 4 R5 = Round 5 Key to rounds: QF = Quarter-finals SF = Semi-finals RU = Runners-up W = Winners