This match report will be revisiting the 15th of November. A day filled with unsuspecting score lines, last minute *defying-saves*, and incredible amounts of effort from every single Durham player. As always, we will begin with Jess Fuller's side, and their much anticipated game against top of the table Newcastle 2s.
Newcastle 2s vs Durham 3s (A)
In a tight and feisty game against top-of-the-table Newcastle, Durham 3s showcased resilience to put an end to their opponent’s winning streak.
Durham began the match with high intensity, maintaining the same work-rate and determination seen in their narrow defeat on penalties to Leeds Beckett last week.
The first half displayed end-to-end action, with the tireless efforts of the midfield trio allowing Durham to create chances in the final third. The midfield exhibited composure, with Rachel Young’s precise through balls for the front three threatening the Newcastle defence.
The Durham defence remained strong throughout the first half, particularly the fullbacks, Jess Fuller and Rosie Graham, as they effectively dealt with Newcastle’s wingers. The defence were positive with their ball distribution, with Kris Holmes carrying the ball forward well and distributing dangerous through balls.
The rest of the first half saw some excellent challenges from the centre-backs and strong goalkeeping by Clara Oke to keep the score level at 0-0 going into half-time.
The second half began with the 3s continuing to keep hold of the ball well, looking to get in behind Newcastle’s backline. A breakthrough came when the ball was won back by the defence and played down the line to Cody Taylor on the left wing. Cody sent a beautiful through ball to Katie Barlow on the right wing, who skilfully took a touch past the full-back and lobbed Newcastle’s keeper, putting Durham 1-0 up.
Unsurprisingly, this spurred Newcastle on as they pressed high and managed to equalise not long after Durham’s goal. The remainder of the second half saw Durham looking to create more goal-scoring opportunities, whilst also coping with an increasingly feisty Newcastle side.
The relentless high press and robust challenges from Durham kept Newcastle under constant pressure. Isabel Cory was particularly impressive with her work-rate and ability to pinch the ball back from Newcastle. Despite receiving a yellow card in the 70th minute, Isabel exhibited well-timed tackles and defensive prowess.
Clara Oke kept Durham in the game in the final 10 minutes, making an incredible save to deny Newcastle a winner, leaving the game to finish 1-1.
A really strong performance from the 3s, earning a well-deserved point against the league leaders.
MOTM: Liv Fairhurst
- Katie Barlow
Durham 2s vs Sunderland 1s (H)
Wednesday saw Durham 2s’ first home league game against Sunderland 1s. The starting lineup was slightly different to usual, with CB Erin Taylor pushed up to midfield, Izzy Priory back from injury, and 3s players Bella Coetzee and Anna Meller joining the squad.
The team were off to a good start, with nice football being played in the middle and final third. Quick passes from Erin Taylor and Emily Baker in midfield to Liv Berry on the right wing, allowed Liv to do what she does best: drive the ball forward. Despite some creative play and good chances particularly on the right-hand side, Durham were unable to hit the back of the net.
About 20 minutes into the first half, Sunderland made use of their fast striker and knocked the ball over Durham’s defensive line, with keeper Ella Beecham unable to clear the ball in time for the shot. 1-0 Sunderland.
A few minutes later, Durham won a penalty due to a handball in the box. Emily Baker bravely stepped up to take it. The ball hit the cross bar and Durham couldn’t score from the rebound. The score remained 1-0.
However, the girls continued to play their game. Some creative build up play from the middle led to the ball at Ella Richards’s feet. Ella noticed Liv Berry’s clever movement on the right-hand side and played the ball to her. She then received it on the half turn and shot at a tight angle. The ball went over the keeper’s head and into the left corner. 1-1
Near the start of the second half, Sunderland won a free kick on the edge of the box. The ball went over the wall and into the back of the net, as goalkeeper Ella Beecham’s knee unfortunately gave way. 2-1 Sunderland. Full back Izzy Priory courageously stepped up to play in goal.
Durham’s heads seemed to have dropped, as the tempo and quality of touches and passes started to decrease. Sunderland managed to exploit this and gained possession in the middle. They kicked the ball over the top once again to their striker, who slotted the ball in the bottom left corner. 3-1 Sunderland.
Adrenaline started to kick in, and the desire for a comeback became increasingly evident. Ella Richards received the ball on the edge of the box. Her shot hit the crossbar and bounced down near the goal line. If only we had VAR.
Substitute Anna Meller came on to play a number 10 role. She received the ball on the right side of the box and neatly slotted the ball across the keeper and in the bottom left corner. What a way to make your debut. 3-2 Sunderland.
Unfortunately, despite the girls’ best efforts, Durham were not able to win a draw off Sunderland and the scoreline remained 3-2. The league is now as close as ever, with Durham 2nd place on 6 points, and 3rd and 4th place both on the same.
Hopefully we will secure a higher place in the league after game away to Leeds.
- Charlotte Kingsbury
Durham 1s vs St Andrews 1s (A)
This Wednesday saw the first team travel 4 and a half hours to face top of the table St Andrews.
The start of the game was shaky, with Durham conceding in the 2nd minute. Despite this, Durham were determined to put up a fight, and began to gain control of the gain. The 10th minute saw Durham get awarded a penalty, however the shot was dragged slightly wide by Erin Brown. Nevertheless, Erin didn't let this stop her, and responded almost instantly by slotting a header in the St Andrews net after LW Vicky delivered a perfect ball into the box.
Unfortunately, St Andrews regained momentum, and scored 2 further goals putting Durham 3-1 down. Seconds before half time, Thalia Boardman put her name on the scoresheet after scoring another header from a corner (the 4th corner of the half to lead to a goal) and Durham went into half time 3-2 down.
The half time break came at a good time for Durham, and the start of the second half showed that Durham were ready to take this game for themselves. A brilliant early goal in the half came from Becky cutting it back to Faye Dale, who’s shot from outside the box looped over the St Andrews GK, drawing the score level once again. The game remained tight without many clear cut chances for either team until in the 80th minute, Vicky scored from a second phase corner, and saw the keeper off her line (and once again this season) placed it in the back of the net.
Durham needed to see off the last 10 minutes to secure the win. In a dramatic last 5 minutes, the referee awarded St Andrews a questionable penalty. This didn't stop GK Anna King though as she pulled off an unbelievable save denying the St Andrews striker. In the last minute of the game Anna King made another vital save, and the full time whistle saw Durham win 4-3 after being 3-1 down. What a comeback.
Unbelivable scenes! Durham stay top of the table and now have a 3 point cushion going into Loughborough at home next week.
-Emma Wallis
[The Durham first team after yet another spectacular performance away from home]
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