Both teams started off a little shaky, struggling to get into the rhythm of the game. Durham tested Newcastle’s defence on a couple of occasions but the defensive line stayed strong. Newcastle played a few lovely through balls, with Charley and Kenzie both having attempts at goal. Half time 0-0.
Newcastle started off much stronger in the second half, making some great passing plays and having better possession of the ball. Lucy had a close chance on goal early into the second half, with a shot outside of the box just missing the top right corner. Hannah also made some great saves that kept Durham off the score sheet.
The winning goal came around the 75th minute. A corner was whipped in and Freya headed it straight into the back of the net. The final 15 minutes were nervy but Newcastle stayed strong to keep the lead. The full-time whistle shortly after meant that Newcastle stay top of the table.
Final score 1-0 to Newcastle.
After a slow start, putting their bodies on the line to compete for every ball, the girls started dominating the game. In the 25th minute, Ellie Stringer battled to win the ball back and released Rhianna Cliffe into space down the wing. Individual brilliance from Cliffe saw her go past 3 players to put the ball in the back of the net and make it 1-0.
Just 4 minutes later, Sophia Birks crossed a corner into a dangerous area which Emma Saville headed in to make it 2-0.
Leeds came back straight after halftime, playing a long ball to their striker, who took her goal well to make it 2-1. This didn’t affect the girls who continued to dominate the game throughout the second half. The 3rd goal again came from another corner, this time played short to Libby who took a strike from outside the box and hit the back of the net, making it 3-1.
The girls continued to attack until the 90th minute and were unlucky not to add to the goal tally, but joint top of the table doesn’t sound so bad!
