Derby Day at Kingston Park saw Durham come with a game plan that they stuck too and thanks to an inspired performance from goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders got spot-on to come away with a huge three points in the battle for the Barclays Championship title.
The Lady Mags went into this game unbeaten in three games so far this season and looking for another home win that would have really put them in the mix at the top of the table. They were under no illusions though facing a Durham outfit sitting in second place after three wins from their first four games.
Durham being a really long-term established Championship side that have been in the Division for the past 11 seasons. Whilst United are having their first ever venture at this level following back-to-back promotions. Perhaps in the end that extra know-how of the League made a difference.
But that extra bit of pressure from being a NUFC side with substantial backing from the owners perhaps puts a target on United’s backs. Certainly, given that Durham were above Newcastle in the table and with their experience it was surprising to find that many still made United favourites.
From the first whistle though it was United on the front foot forcing the visitor’s back and looking really hungry. The first clear cut chance coming from an Amber-Keegan Stobbs corner that Deanna Cooper got a cute, flicked header on at the at the front post only to see Hannah Blake clear it off the line.
It lead to another United corner delivered by Demi Stokes that caused issues for Durham once again The ball only being half cleared falling to Rachel Furness on the edge of the area who volleyed the chance wide.
Then a ball over the top saw Stobbs in a foot race as Saunders came off her line. The United skipper getting to the ball first couldn’t quite direct her effort on target as she stretched and lifted it over the onrushing ‘keeper.
Lois Joel then played a neat ball down the right playing in Amy Andrews. United’s forward…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/10/08/derby-day-ends-in-heartbreak-for-newcastle-united-women/
Author : Jeff King
Publish date : 2024-10-08 09:05:30
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