Durham United Women

What a win!!

Durham United Women 4-2 Stockton town Fc

These girls have had some really tough games since Xmas, some harsh lessons of the reality of football and last week they had to take the hairdryer from myself after a really poor performance where I simply didn’t recognise them!

Fast forward this morning and against all odds with the bare 11 and no keeper they show absolutely everything they are about as a fantastic bunch of footballers and a team to deservedly turn over 3rd place Stockton Town 4-2, massive character showed when they got back to 2-2 and we could have folded but we went again!

Might not have been the prettiest at times but my word did all 11 want that and they’ve made a management team and parents alike so proud!

1 more game to finish then we go away and rebuild to go again next season!!

Special mention to Chloe then Grace for taking the gloves today 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks to our sponsors as always

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust




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FINAL SCORE

Kader fc 2-0 DUFC U18’s

A truly brave performance at top of the league Kader saw the girls come away with no reward for their endeavour!!

An excellent disciplined defensive line and hard working midfield despite only having 12 players available saw Durham create chances in both half’s and have good spells of possession but that final pass or shot at goal just evaded the girls at times!

Kader scored early and late in the second half both ironically coming on the back of Durham chances but a lot of positives can be taken in defeat which Is something we don’t always try to encourage but today that absolutely shines through as we will play worse and win games this seas

Thanks as always to our sponsors

Liberty Catering
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust
Taylored-fit Physio

Due to some technical problems outwith our control the women’s section of the club will now be using a new page moving forward, if everyone could please like and follow Durham United FC Women Seniors & U18 Team going forward!!

This page will remain open with the old photos and match reports available to view!!

Thanks for your support 👍🏻

Durham United FC Women Seniors & U18 Team Amateur Sports Team

WELCOME RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Newton Aycliffe 4-6 DUFC UNDER 18’s

Today was the day when the girls were on the right end of the result after a tough end of 2023 when they were on the wrong end of a few, despite playing some really good football.

On a very heavy pitch the team stuck to what they have done all season to gain the victory over Newton Aycliffe, 4-6. Having played Newton Aycliffe earlier in the season and having given them a 2 goal start that day the girls were determined to get off to a fast start. After absorbing a bit of early pressure they started to move the ball around with confidence and began to see where the space was on the field. Jazz started to get forward from fullback creating the overlap time and time again, something she would do all afternoon in a player of the match performance.

When a free kick was awarded about 35m out Evie stepped up and it looked like she only had one idea as she fired the ball goal bound to score the opener into the top corner. Unfortunately Aycliffe found a bit of space on the counter to bring the game even but the girls were not in the mood to allow them to get back into the game. They continued to find space and got another one through Ella who has been working tirelessly all season up front and git the goal she deserved again. This was followed by Sami getting her debut goal for the club after more great work around the box. This was followed by the team creating more space through great passing and movement off the ball for Demi to break free and score the 4th.

At this stage it looked like it was all over but as we have found in this league, no teams ever give up. Aycliffe then scored from a debateable free kick which they hit sweetly and not the top corner to make it 4-2 and give them a glimmer of hope which they seized and pulled another back just before half time.
The message was clear at half time that the game would go to the team that wanted it most and that if they stuck to the plan and had the desire the game would be theirs.

Both teams came out strongly in the second half and Aycliffe clearly thought the game was there for them to win. This was shown as they broke early to score their 4th to bring the scores even. As coaches, there was little we could do but the girls reacted brilliantly and moved back onto the front foot and they kept driving each other forward. This was rewarded by Evie bagging her second as she got in front of the her defender and keeper to slot in at the near post after a great ball in from Chloe. We then witnessed one of the great saves we have seen as Aycliffe broke again and fired one to the the top corner which looked destined to be another equaliser but Neve took off, flying through the air to get a fingertip to it and push it onto the post to keep us ahead. Then we counter punched again as Evie picked up another from the edge of the box firing into the bottom corner to give us breathing space with the clock running down.

When the whistle blew there were the obvious celebrations and a sense of relief that they got the win they have been working so hard to get both at training and in matches. This was an all round team performance from the keepers through a rock solid defence who gave up on nothing and started many of our attacks. Then through midfield who worked tirelessly to close down anything that moved and pressed high to get us possession in the right areas to the attackers who did what we need them to do, work hard in the final third, win the ball high and take the chances when they come. With a bit of luck we could have scored more but we really could not ask more from what the girls put into the game today on a heavy and testing pitch.

A great start to the weekend and a positive result to move into next week when we travel to Kader who we had a great game against earlier in the season.

SCORERS

Evie Warbrick ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Ella Gulliver ⚽️
Sami Boardman ⚽️
Demi Leigh Tapping ⚽️

Player of the game: Jasmine Wells

Sponsors player of the game: Evie Warbrick

Thanks to our sponsors

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust

FULL TIME RESULT

Newton Aycliffe 4-6 DUFC U18’s

A fantastic return to winning ways for the girls at a tough venue on a poor pitch, some brilliantly taken goals and good football on show throughout!!

Scorers

Evie ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Ella G ⚽️
Sami ⚽️
Demi ⚽️

Full match report to follow later

Thanks to our sponsors

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust




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Result: Durham 1 Norton & Stockton Ancients 16

The ladies were in cup action today against national league and current cup champions Norton and Stockton Ancient Ladies. Prior to the game the ladies were set a few challenges for todays game, not only did the accept the challenge but they did their best to complete it.

The opposition made it through to this round with a comfortable defeat of Burnside Ladies scoring in excess of 20 goals. Todays challenge was to keep the score line under 20 goals. Not only did we achieve this but we also scored the best goal of the game with a phenomenal left foot free kick from Steph N. Amelia in goal made some amazing saves and was awarded a very well deserved player of the match. All players in the squad had game time today which was a great experience for all. I couldn’t be prouder of the team today and the way they represented themselves and the club.

Goals Steph N ⚽️
Player of the Match Amelia 🏆

Result Durham Utd 1 Darlington Spraire 2

The ladies travelled to Darlington today expecting a close and tough game. Darlington made a bright start to the game and scored within 3 minutes when Durham called for an offside and did the fatal mistake of not playing to the whistle. With a calm finish in front of goal Darlington took an early lead. Durham were struggling to settle into the game and their difficulties continued when Hannah was forced off on 20 minutes with a back injury. With both teams pushing for goals Darlington we’re looking the more likely to score and they got their second on 37 minutes when Durham scored an unfortunate own goal.

At half time we made a couple of changes, dusted ourselves down and were keen to get back into the game. Durham started the second half much better and were rewarded with a goal when Abbie played a ball close in on the keeper, Ceryis took the gamble and managed to head the ball over the keeper putting Durham back in the game. The second half was anyone’s game with both teams pushing for another goal. Amelia in goal made some great saves keeping our hopes alive of an equaliser. We gambled on a tactical change and asked Terri to play up top to give us a different approach. Unlucky not to capitalise on this change quickly Darlington reacted and made a change to keep Durham at bay.

Overall a great game of football with both teams pushing for goals. Darlington took the 3 points and credit to their back 4 who were fantastic all game, not putting a foot wrong and showing great experience. A fixture both teams can be proud of.

Thank you to sponsors Sugar Stash

POTM Terri 🏆
Goals Ceryis ⚽️

Result Durham 1 Rutherford 1

Tough day at the office for the ladies who just didn’t turn up. It was Rutherford who wanted the 3 points today and if it wasn’t for some fantastic saves from player of the match Amelia they would have comfortably took all 3. The ladies goal came from a great corner delivered by Steph Box which was put in a dangerous area and converted for an own goal.

A lack of effort, application of training and no teamwork was very disappointing to see and I hope the ladies bounce back next week in a tough fixture against the league leaders.

Credit to Rutherford who were unfortunate not to take the 3 points.

As always a massive thank you to Sugar Stash for sponsoring the team and delivering a treat for the girls today

WHAT A CRUEL GAME THIS IS AT TIMES

DUFC U18’s 4-5 Kader fc

Well sometimes results are hard to take and they didn’t get much harder than this one. Coming up against Kader, a team that have dominated our age groups for a number of seasons we knew what we would be up against. It would be fast, physical and good quality football. In a game where it could be argued that a few critical decisions went against us the team battled for every moment of the 90 minutes yet came out on the wrong side of the result. I think the feeling from the coaching team was that we had played the better football throughout but couldn’t close the game out in the last 15 minutes.

Playing a different formation of 4-2-3-1 for the first time to counteract Kaders attacking threat worked well from the start. Welcoming Sami into the team for her debut (a very strong start) the defence provided a platform all afternoon that allowed the midfield to work the ball around the park to create space both through the middle and down the flanks. The girls played the ball out with confidence from the back and put all the training ground work into practice in every area.

The scoring was opened by Evie following in from a great strike by Demi to tap in at the back post to get Durham ahead. Kader, as expected came back strongly and before long had drawn level as they raced through the middle to put it past Neve. Durham didn’t let this affect them though and continued to attack at every opportunity. Created by winning possession at the back then slick passing in midfield continued to create chances with Ella G tirelessly creating space with her touch and pass as well as chasing down every ball. This continued pressure then allowed Izzy McD to score at the second attempt to get the girls ahead again. After more good pressure and winning a corner down the right Demi fraught to get possession at the back post to put it back in the mixer before the ball eventually went in off one of the Kader defenders. The half was finished with another goal from either side, the first coming Kader who again managed to find space behind the defence with their strong direct running and a good finish to put one past Neve. Then from Ella G with a great strike to beat the keeper, a just reward for her effort throughout the half. And 4-2 would be the score as we went into half time.

Up 4-2, we dared to believe that we could pull off what many would see as a shock but the way the girls had played it would have been fully justified. The second half as expected started with Kader racing out of the blocks and eventually their good football led to them pulling one back to put the pressure back on Durham but they didn’t let this stop Durham’s attacking intent as they continued to create chances at the other end to keep the pressure on Kader. As we went into the final quarter it was noticeable that although the effort remained there were the signs of some tiring legs as Kader continued to attack leading to some scrambled and at times desperate defence. Kader pulled another back to bring the scores level as we entered the closing stages. With what we thought were just a couple of minutes to play we managed to soak up another two attackers and clear the ball up the park. Expecting the final whistle there turned out to be time for one final attack as Kader got in behind us to sn**ch a last kick winner.

Although the feeling in the camp after the final whistle was upset I am sure they will focus in the coming days on the positives and we will take that back to the training ground and into the next match in two weeks. The coaches could not have been prouder of the team today and they left every ounce out on the park, you can’t ask much more than that from every single member of the team.

GOALS

EVIE ⚽️
ISABELLE ⚽️
OG ⚽️
ELLA G ⚽️

Player of the Match - Jasmine Wells
Sponsors Player of the Match - Ella Gulliver

And we get one of the toughest teams remaining in the cup as we will travel to Norton & Stockton Ancients, what a great experience for the players

Result Durham 14 Fishburn Community FC Ladies 0

We welcomed Fishburn Ladies to the Bobby Robson this afternoon in the Durham County Cup. The ladies were asked to come into the game with a winning attitude and not take for granted Fishburn being in the league below.

With a formation change to assist in the counter attack and a full squad available we were confident in scoring goals. The ladies were asked to play simple football, keep possession and be clinical in front of goal. We could have played better football and we will look to improve our movement off the ball, scoring goals we did accomplish.

With some sublime corners delivered by Steph B and Bev, great through balls by Eileen we found the goals were flowing. With far too many goals to comment on it was pleasing to see a great team performance and plenty of passing to help others get on the score sheet.

Well done to Fishburn who never gave up and gave their all for the 90 minutes, good luck for the rest of your season

Goals: Ceryis ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Steph B ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Eileen ⚽️⚽️
Kerry ⚽️
Danielle ⚽️
POTM: Eileen 🏆

SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK EARNS POINT

DUFC U18’s 2-2 Newton Aycliffe

It was another game of two half’s as United once again had to come from behind to get something out of the game!

The first half saw the girls quite frankly put in their worst performance in a long long time and there’s no beating about the bush that we were very lucky that Neve was alert on a few occasions or this game could have been out of sight, the team was unrecognisable from what they should be and in fairness to the girls they knew that and put it right, Newton Aycliffe to their credit took advantage and scored 2 well taken goals and bossed the majority of everything in that first half!

Second half was a totally different story and from the off the girls set about showing what they are really about, Ella G who in fairness fed on a scraps first half passed up 2 good chances then her great movement created another 2 chances for Evie then Demi, the pressure carried on with our midfield constantly winning the ball back quick and getting the forwards involved, Jazz was looking very sharp and Demi was involved in almost everything!
Demi crashed a superb effort off the crossbar then Ava hit the post before a goal line scramble somehow stopped out, was it going to be one of them days, at the other end the defence was dealing well with any counter attacks!
Isabelle then played an outstanding through ball to Lily who took a great touch and ran on but got crowed out and shot straight at the keeper, then finally with 16 minutes to go we got that bit of luck we deserved when Demi span and hit a shot that went through the keeper to get us back in it and 3 minutes later the equaliser came and good build up saw Demi again finish smartly in the corner to spark wild scenes!
United could and probably could have went on to win it then and had 2/3 half chances through Ava then Rose at the death but Aycliffe too had chances towards the end of game so a draw probably the right result in the end however another lesson to the girls that at this level performances are required for the full 90 not just 45, all that said massive credit to the full squad for showing fantastic character to go and get something out of a game they never looked in for 45 minutes!!

GOALS: Demi ⚽️⚽️

Sponsors POTM: Poppy

Opp POTM: Demi

Thanks to our sponsors

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust




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UNDER 18’s

The girls finally play our second league game of the season tomorrow as we welcome Newton Aycliffe to The Bobby Robson, full details are below!!

Thanks as always to our sponsors!

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust

Result: Durham Utd 7 Sunderland RCA 0

The ladies travelled to Sunderland today to face the RCA ladies having only played each other a couple of weeks ago.

Durham started the game slow and Sunderland were making the most of it in a competitive midfield contest. Durham just couldn’t get into the game and with a stoppage in play we decided to make some changes and introduced 2 new faces Ellen and Abbie. Both players making a great start to the game but it was young 16 year old Abbie who stood out in midfield providing a much needed calmness and composure on the ball. Sunderland now starting to struggle with Durham gave away a free kick in a dangerous area. Steph Neil stepped up and scored a sensational free kick from 30 yards out. Durham took a 1-0 lead into half time.

Having the luxury of substitutes Durham made some changes which were to be game changing. The biggest impact was from Steph B who came on at half time and scored a hat trick within 15 minutes, not content on a hat trick she followed up with a fourth to round up a great afternoon of good finishing from Steph picking out the corners. The ladies were now in free flow of some great football when ceryis scored the 7th to round up the afternoon.

Credit to Sunderland RCA ladies who never gave up and made it a difficult 1st half for us. We wish Sunderland luck for the rest of the season, keep working hard ladies.

Thank you Cerys for the photos and Sugar Stash for sponsoring the team.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9qz3SvXPc6YrGDiP9

Goals: Steph B ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Ceryis ⚽️
Steph N ⚽️
POTM: Abbie 🏆

Durham V Sunderland RCA 08/10/2023 174 new items added to shared album

⚽️❤️🩷💚🩵💙🧡⚽️

Great opportunity here to work for a fantastic charity 👌🏻

📣 Events Manager job role 📣

Team Solan is looking for an 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 Events Manager that will be responsible for organising and co-ordinating all Team Solan events and fundraising activities for the Trust.

➡️ Paid role (30K per annum)
➡️ Full-time, permanent role (37.5 hours per week)
➡️ Located in Team Solan Head Office, Spennymoor
➡️ A minimum of 2 years’ experience of event and fundraising management is required
➡️ A full driving license is required

For more information please visit this link >> https://loom.ly/dHQ3Nec

Result Durham 4 Consett Reserves 1

We travelled to Belle Vue Stadium today to welcome new team Consett Reserves to the league. We came into the game after two good results and wanted to continue to build on that.

Durham took an early lead after 6 mins when Ceryis headed the ball on for Steph B who was making a run, with a calm finish she put the team 1-0 up. It wasn’t long after when Steph B again made the most of a poor goal kick and intercepted the ball. Another great finish and we had a 2 goal lead in 10 minutes. In true Durham style we then switched off and allowed Consett back in the game who were growing in confidence. On 19 minutes Consett pulled one back when the defender made a great run and released the ball for the forward to run onto. With the game at 2-1 it was a nervous 26 minutes until the half time whistle.

Durham came back out for the 2nd half knowing Consett had the belief they were still in the game. Durham made a great start to the half and started playing some nice football taking advantage of the time on the ball in the midfield areas. Grace who played a great game in midfield stepped up with the ball and released a perfect through ball for Ceryis. Making no mistakes Ceryis was clinical in front of the net taking the score to 3-1. Steph B was next back on the score sheet with her hat trick goal when Sophie played a lovely ball over the top.

A great day of football for the ladies with a 4-1 win. Periods of some excellent football but nonetheless still some learning points to takeaway and build on. Well played Consett Reserves who never gave up and made us work for the 3 points.

A special thank you to Amelia who stepped up in goal whilst we try to recruit.

Goals
Steph B ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Ceryis ⚽️

POTM Bev 🏆 outstanding performance in a new position today 👏👏

Thank you to Sugar Stash for sponsoring the ladies

Result: Durham 2 Chester le Street 1

The ladies faced another new challenge today playing against Chester le Street United who were relegated from league 1 last season. Keen on building from last weeks victory we entered the game with a positive mindset and attacking formation.

With a return to the lineup it was great to see captain Ceryis take to the field for the 1st time this season. A player who has bought into everything we do and leads the team from the front. It wasn’t long into the game when she opened the scoring on the 7th minute with a great ball player in by Emma Hogg. The opposition then started to get back into the game as the level of football started to deteriorate and niggling challenges were becoming more and more evident. Durham were robbed of a clear penalty when Steph Box was through on goal only to be pulled down by a player who had no intention of playing the ball. This unsettled Durham and unfortunately the opposition took advantage and scored on the 30 minute mark. Durham were applying the pressure again before half time and were awarded with a corner. Steph Box delivered a fantastic corner which Chester le Street couldn’t deal with and resulted in an own goal.

We started the 2nd half well playing some good physical football much to the referees dislike. Ceryis and Kerry both finding themselves with a yellow card however the consistency didn’t last long when a Durham player was fouled but no yellow card. The ladies weren’t going to let inconsistent decisions affect them and played some great football but just couldn’t find that final touch to extend the lead. Final score was 2-1 to Durham and well deserved 3 points.

A special thank you to Amelia for volunteering to go in goal again whilst we continue to find a keeper.

Sponsored by Sugar Stash

Goals
Ceryis ⚽️
OG ⚽️
POTM Kerry 🏆

GAME OFF 😞

Sadly due to a waterlogged pitch at The Bobby Robson the under 18’s cup game against Thornaby tomorrow morning is now off!

We go again next week against the same opposition!




Thanks as always to our sponsors

Liberty Catering
Taylored-fit Physio
Burnmoor Cricket-Club
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust

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We have drawn Fishburn Community FC Ladies in the county cup. We look forward to welcoming Fishburn

🏆𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐇𝐀𝐌 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐀 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑-𝟐𝟒

The draw for the Durham County FA Women's Cup is now live on our Youtube Channel 👇

🔗https://youtu.be/FZdl2ZYqGy0

Result: Durham Utd 5 Sunderland RCA 1

The ladies played host to Sunderland RCA ladies for the 1st time as we welcomed the newly formed team into the league. Unsure of what to expect and having suffered a defeat last week Durham went back to a known formation. The game started with Durham dominating the play up top but Sunderland’s keeper was proving difficult to beat.

Finally on the 15th minute mark Eileen played a great ball through the defence which was far enough away from the keeper to allow Steph B time to run on to the ball and calmly slot the ball beyond the keeper. The second goal on the 31st minute was a carbon copy of the first with Eileen being supplier to Steph B again. With many chances created and some great build up play we found ourselves taking a comfortable 2-0 lead into half time.

We changed formation in the second half to play more attacking in an attempt to break down a resilient Sunderland side. Bev and Gemma were both introduced to the game and we started the 2nd half on the front foot. 58 minutes into the game saw Steph B break through the defence with a driving run, on a hat trick she unselfishly passed the ball into Terri who was waiting in the box. No hesitation it was a goal as Terri placed the ball through the keepers legs. Steph B was to get the hat trick with a delightful finish in the top corner on the 75th minute. Durham weren’t finished yet as new signing 16 year old Danielle showed some great footwork in box to round Durhams scoring up at 5-0.

Unfortunately the clean sheet wasn’t to be when Sunderland made the most of a counter attack and scored in the 87th minute. Sunderland gave a good account of themselves on their first outing in the league, they never gave up and massive shout out to the keeper who was outstanding all game. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Thank you to Sugar Stash for sponsoring the team

Goals: Steph B ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Terri ⚽️
Danielle ⚽️

POTM: Hannah