Boldon Women 4 Darlington Women 3

Darlington lost their opening game in the North East Regional League by the odd goal in seven, but had to play the last thirty minutes with only ten players.

Quakers kept battling away when 4-2 and a player down, and they almost snatched an equaliser near the end.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “Despite the result, I am happy with the overall effort and performance. It’s hard enough playing against a decent side with 11 players on the pitch, so to have to do it with 10 for the last half hour of the game and stay in the game is a testament to those still on the pitch.

“We showed great character to not just sit behind the ball and still gave it a go. To pull a goal back and still be in the game in the last minute is all you can ask from the team. The sending off changes the game but we still looked dangerous on the counter and we gave it a good go. The girls pulled one back but ultimately, we ran out of time for the equaliser. Credit to Boldon for managing the game well and using their experience to see the game out.

“I was disappointed in the manner of some of the goals we conceded today, a little bit soft and avoidable but we learn and move on. Plenty of positives to take again and we look forward to the FA Cup next week, away to Wallsend. We will keep working to improve the little details midweek and go again next Sunday.”

Both teams struggled to settle down in the first 15 minutes but it was Boldon who took the lead. They were awarded a penalty on the 20th minute; the ball was dispatched well to put Boldon ahead. 

The Quaker Women reacted well and were level on the 35th minute mark. Some good football and a switch of play saw Chloe Bright find Issie Nattrass who finished well for her second goal in 2 games. Just before half time, Boldon scored again to take a 2-1 lead into half time. 

The second half was end to end to begin with and around ten minutes in there was a collision between the Boldon GK and Hattie Raine and there was a debate on whether the keeper got to the ball first for a clear goalscoring opportunity. Controversially the ref gave the free kick Darlington’s way but only a yellow card for the Boldon keeper. 

Raine stepped up to take the free kick and the keeper could not keep hold of it. Lily Wilkinson was first to react and tap home in the 6 yard box for Darlington’s equaliser and game on. Almost a minute later, Boldon responded straight away and went up the other end and were back in front. A good finish from the edge of the box, placed into the net to make it 3-2.

More controversy followed and the ref awarded another penalty for Boldon and sent Nicole Graham off just after the hour mark for a second yellow card, she was alleged to have pulled back the Boldon player in the box. Beatrice Whitley then saved the resulting penalty and kept Darlington in the game. A player down, Boldon naturally took control of the game with more possession and scored their 4th goal on the 68th minute to make it 4-2.

Darlington did well to stay in the game for the last half hour, defended well and were still dangerous on the counter. Second half substitute Izzy Walker gave Darlington some hope, grabbing a goal on the 88th minute after another good assist from Hattie Raine. The equaliser from ten player Darlington didn’t come and Boldon managed the four minutes additional time well. 

Player of the match was awarded to Beatrice Whitley in goal. Some very brave goalkeeping and a fantastic penalty save to keep Darlo in the game. 

Many thanks to Boldon for the game and best of luck in the FA Cup next week as well as for the rest of the season.