Darlington Women advanced to the next round of the County Cup with a 4-0 away win at Stockton Town Reserves on Sunday evening.

All the goals came in the second half from Chloe Bright (2), Chloe Ryan and Ella Leach and manager Shaun Mackenzie said; “I was really happy with the win in the end and we got the job done in the second half. We knew the game wasn’t going to be a walkover as Stockton have a good young side and they did well in the first half sitting in and frustrating us. We still managed to create plenty of chances but I thought their young goalkeeper was outstanding all night.

“We probably should have been ahead at the break but just couldn’t find that opening goal and we talked at half time that the longer it stays 0-0 the more confident Stockton would be about getting a result. We needed a fast start in the second half and we definitely got it. The girls stepped it up another gear and after working so hard in the first half, Stockton started to tire and we got the goals we needed.

“We also spoke at half time about once we got the first goal, more goals would follow and that’s exactly how it played out. Full credit to the girls for staying patient and a massive well done to all the substitutes who came on and made an impact on the game. They injected a bit more energy that we probably needed and shows the full squad will be needed this season.

“I was also very pleased with how we defended and limited Stockton to just a few half chances, we were aggressive and on the front foot which is something we have been working hard on. Another clean sheet for Hannah in goal and that’s now four clean sheets for the season, which is already more than we kept last season. We need to build on that second half performance next week back in the league and look forward to the Quarter Final against Boldon in the New Year.”

Darlington dominated the first half and had the better chances but couldn’t get the opening goal. They came closest through Grace Dobson when the ball came back off the far post. They thought they were awarded a penalty when Chloe Ryan was brought down inside the box, but the referee gave a free kick right on the edge of the box. The Stockton GK saved well and made plenty of other good saves in the first half to keep the score level at 0-0.

It took Darlington just seven minutes of the second half to get the crucial opening goal in the game. Some good build up play saw Chloe Bright feed the ball into Ella Leach who finished well to put Darlo 1-0 up. Five minutes later and Darlington had a second, a long throw caused some uncertainty in the Stockton defence and Leanne Clennett smashed the ball across the face of the box for Chloe Bright to meet the ball first time and put it in the bottom corner for 2-0 and her second goal of the season. 

Grace Taylor came off the bench, set the third and fourth goals up to give Darlington a comfortable 4-0 lead. The third goal was a great finish from Chloe Ryan just outside the box after Taylor passed her the ball. Darlington’s fourth was all Taylor’s good work as she went on a mazy run and had a decent shot which the keeper saved but Chloe Bright was first to react to smash the ball into the net for her second of the game. 

Darlington saw the game out well against a good young Stockton Reserves side with plenty of potential. We wish them the best of luck for the remainder of the season. 

Player of the match was awarded to Chloe Bright for two goals and one assist and an overall great shift on both wings today. Thanks to everyone who came along to support in the cold tonight. 

Darlington will now play Boldon CA Ladies in the County Cup on Sunday 18th January at the Eastbourne Community Stadium.