As our three teams get well underway with their own seasons, it is time for yet another club run-down on the nail-biting action that occurred last Wednesday (18th October)...
Last Wednesday saw all three teams away from our home ground, with our third team travelling down to Leeds, our second team against Newcastle, and our first team against Loughborough in what would end up being an intense first game for both performance teams! This week, all three Durham teams knew that they needed to step up their game, and this was certainly put to the test for some. Nevertheless, captains Emma Wallis, Charlotte Kingsbury and Jess Fuller were prepared to lead their teams to victory!
With the starting squads looking strong, with equally strong benches, it was up to the guidance of coaches Chris (1st team), John (2nd team), and Oli & Freddie (3rd team) to get the girls ready for another action-packed 90minutes.
With enough said, the first report is from 3rd team vice-captain Esme Gee, with her perspective on the teams last-minute winner against Leeds.
18/10/23 - Leeds 2s (A)
In a thrilling and action-packed encounter, Durham 3s displayed relentless determination and an unwavering commitment to secure a well-deserved victory against a strong Leeds 2s. The match was a display of superb football, with Durham asserting their dominance throughout the 90 minutes.
From the opening whistle, Durham showcased their intent, maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game. The midfield in particular commanded the proceedings, displaying exceptional control and vision, swiftly distributing the ball across the field.
This dominance laid the foundation for the victory as Durham constantly pressed forward, allowing Leeds little opportunities to get through.
The match started with a moment of sheer brilliance from Durham's goalkeeper, Clara Oke. In the first ten minutes, she made an incredible save that denied Leeds an early lead, setting the tone for a stellar performance. Moments later, a close call saw Anna Meller's powerful strike narrowly hit the post, leaving the opposition rattled.
Throughout the match, Durham's defence exhibited resilience and unwavering strength. They maintained a structured, and compact formation that proved impenetrable for Leeds attacking efforts. With expertly timed tackles, and astute positioning, the defence kept the opposition at bay, ensuring the clean sheet.
The decisive moment of the match came in the second half when Isabel Cory, from her midfield position, delivered a brilliant through ball that dissected the opponent's defence. The precision of the pass put Rachel Young in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. With composure and finesse, Rachel Young neatly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, securing the lead. Just like that, Durham's hard work was worth it.
What truly set Durham apart in this match was their commitment and determination to win every ball. Players displayed remarkable work ethic and tenacity, ensuring they contested every challenge with unwavering resolve.
The brilliant and decisive moment of the game proved Rachel Young the deserving player of the match, with her key goal securing the win after continuously battling all game.
After securing the 3 points, Durham are fuelled to keep this winning streak alive.
-Esme Gee
18/10/23 - Newcastle 1s (A)
Wednesday was only a short away day for the 2s as they travelled up to Newcastle for a Tyne-Wear derby. Following their win from last week, the 2nd team were confident in their ability, and were ready to fight for a win.
Durham began with their standard 4-3-3 formation. Starting off against the strong winds, the team had to adapt to the conditions, learning from captain Charlotte Kingsbury and vice captain Ella Beecham on how to combat Newcastle's style of play.
From the starting whistle, Durham stayed strong and frequently battled in the final third and the middle of the pitch against a solid Newcastle side. It was clear to see that both teams wanted the win, and this spurred Durham on even more to sharpen their press, and block off passages of play for the Newcastle side.
After being patient with possession, centre forward Ella Richards came one-on-one with the keeper from Olivia Berry’s through ball. Her first touch lined her up perfectly for a shot. However, the approaching keeper pulled a great save to prevent the ball ending in the back of the net.
As play continued, Durham had multiple corners to defend. After a great curling corner from the Newcastle player in the 25th minute, Newcastle finally went 1-0 up from a towering back post header. This was an unfortunate goal to concede, but this didn't stop Durham from holding their heads up high, and returning back to the game with the same intensity as they started.
Newcastle 1 : 0 Durham
Following this goal, there were several back and forth battles between both Durham, and Newcastle players. With only one goal separating the two sides, there was still all to play for.
After no more real chances at goal for either side, the half-time whistle came, seeing both teams conducting vigorous off-pitch plans on how to come out in the second half the stronger side.
As the second half began, Durham fended off pressure from a high pressing Newcastle team, struggling to get forward past a well organised defence. However, they managed to remain patient and compact, preventing any threatening attacking advances from the opposition.
As the game continued, centre back Erin Taylor was forced into the decision between committing to a stretched tackle or letting Newcastle through in on goal. This unfortunately led to a Newcastle penalty. Although goalkeeper Ella Beecham dived the right way, it was not enough to stop the ball going in the bottom right corner. This was a bitter end to the game, and after conceding both goals to set-pieces, Durham knew where to tailor their training for the coming weeks.
Newcastle 2-0 Durham.
The game continued and despite a shift in formation to encourage more attacking play, Durham’s best efforts were not effective enough. The team experienced a tough 2-0 defeat but left with their heads held high, knowing they put maximum effort in.
-Charlotte Kingsbury
18/10/2023 - Loughborough 1s (A)
After some serious history between these two teams, Loughborough vs. Durham was an all too familiar encounter... With superb first team coach Chris accompanying the girls down, Durham were prepared to take on Loughborough, and bring those three points back to Durham.
The start of the game saw Durham on the front foot pressing Loughborough well. With a structured formation, and perfect chemistry from all Durham players, they were fully in control of the game, limiting any chances for Loughborough.
The first chance of the game, thus, fell to captain Emma Wallis in the 3rd minute. After a perfectly executed corner, Wallis beat the back-post defender, towering above to unfortunately just send the ball over the bar. Shortly after, number 9 Faye Dale found some space just outside of the box, testing the keeper with a powerful shot. Durham were on fire, with Loughborough unable to pinch the ball back from some precise passing. Durham were bringing the heat, and were determined to take the 3points for their own!
After several minutes, Loughborough managed to steal the ball off Durham, with their left winger leading the charge against the Durham defence. After sending a long ball over the top, Anna King was swiftly called into action, denying the Loughborough side with an amazing save from a 1v1 chance.
After a Loughborough attack was thwarted by a good bit of defending by Erin Brown, Durham's counter attack was on. Just like that, Faye Dale picked out Becky on the right wing. After linking up nicely, Becky and Faye were deep in the Loughborough half, causing mayhem for the Loughborough defence. After a sharp 1-2 between them, Becky took a positive touch into the box, pulling off a tight shot that got saved by the GK, yet rebounding to the feet of Niamh who buried it nicely into the net, making Durham 1-0 up in the 12th minute!
Durham 1-0 Loughborough
In a game where challenges were flying, and tensions were high, it wasn't long before Loughborough equalised in the 27th minute through a mix-up at the back for Durham. The Loughborough striker was able to drive through the box to collect the rebound from an attempted block by GK Anna King.
Durham 1-1 Loughborough
A half chance fell to Thalia after a free kick floated in by Wallis was defended out to the edge of the box where Thalia chanced her bet on the half volley, resulting in a corner for Durham. However, this was unsuccessful, and shortly after the half time whistle was blown.
Half time Durham 1-1 Loughborough.
Durham started the second half a bit shaky in what became a scrappy half with some nitty gritty defending. A spell of good defending allowed Durham to keep the score 1-1, with some especially good blocks by Hosking.
A moment of good possession by Durham led to Becky playing a good pass into Niamh who’s first touch did well to get her in the box 1v1 with the Loughborough keeper. However, 2 recovering defenders did well to put her off balance to poke it just wide.
After a spell of solid defending, Durham regained possession playing it nicely around the back, resulting in a good long ball into Dale, who dinked it over the keeper but agonisingly just wide of goal.
The end of the game saw a couple of late chances from each team trying to secure the win, but both teams goalkeepers were pulling stellar saves, denying each side the chance of a winner, Anna King probably being the busier of the two. And just like that, the final whistle was blown...
Full time Durham 1-1 Loughborough.
After a hard fought point away to Loughborough, Durham remain unbeaten and sit 2nd in the league table. They look ahead to the next game where they face top of the table Nottingham away 25th October 5pm KO.
Durham: Anna King, Jackson (Harrison, 75’), Brown, Hosking, Wallis, Boardman, Centi, Lovelace (Hughes, 76’), Doody, Dale, Neuefeind.
Unused subs: Evans, Kuzmanovski
After another mixed bag of results, DUWAFC congratulate the 3rd team for their win, and are looking forward to this weeks training so that they are better prepared for their next BUCS fixtures.
[Our third team after their win against Leeds 2s]
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