Darlington Women were beaten 2-1 by Boldon on Tuesday night, but they’re still in with a chance of finishing in the top three.

Quakers led with a first half goal by Hattie Raine, but title-chasing Boldon fought back in the second half.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “It really is a tough one to take after playing so well and getting nothing from it. I thought we were outstanding in the first half and the tempo and intensity we played with is what we’ve been asking for all season.

“Boldon couldn’t live with us and we really stifled their play. The game plan worked and we took a deserved lead into the second half. Unfortunately, that was only a one goal lead and it could have and probably should have been two or three which would have gave us a cushion to see out the game.

“You have to give credit to Boldon who changed things second half and the game became much more open and stretched and they capitalised on it. Both good goals and we just ran out of steam to get anything from the game. Although we threw everything at it, the equaliser just wouldn’t come and it was one of those games. Sometimes in football you don’t get what you deserve and we certainly deserved something from that game. 

“But we take the positives from it, pick ourselves up and go again next week knowing that we can match the opposition and it will be another cracking game of football. Two games to go and we have to give the effort and desire we showed tonight to get anything from them and finish in the top three.”

Darlington led 1-0 at half time, a fantastic finish from Hattie Raine to complete an excellent first half. 

Boldon got back in it on the hour mark with their own Raine power strike, from Connie Raine. Both teams went for the win and it was Boldon who got the second goal through Leila Hughes.

Darlington didn’t get the points they wanted, but it was certainly a performance to be proud off. Full of heart and desire and very unfortunate not to get anything from that game. 

Player of the match was chosen by our match sponsor, The Darl Knight. They went for Ava Pearson, who was outstanding at the back all night, a dominant centre half performance and on her 18th birthday! Happy Birthday Ava! 

Thanks for all your support, a great game for the neutral. Thanks to Boldon for the game and see you next week for the return league fixture on Thursday 7th May.