Darlington Women were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup by Ponteland United on Sunday, but they went out with their heads held high after giving their opponents a really tough game.

At 2-1 down in the second half, they almost got back in the game, but the Northumberland side held on and scored two more to go through to the next round.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “We knew today was going to be a good test, but the girls can be proud of their performance, they gave a very good account of themselves. There were plenty of positives to take into our next league game and something to build on.

“I thought it was a good game of football and both teams played some good football in spells. We more than competed in the first half, but shot ourselves in the foot with the 2 goals we conceded that were avoidable. But credit to the girls who regrouped and Jen got us back in the game. It could have been a completely different game if Hattie equalised just before half time but it was a great last ditch defensive interception to deny her. Going in level at the break might have given us the momentum, but it’s a game of small margins.

“The second half lacked a bit of tempo after such a fast paced first half. We needed the equaliser and when Ponteland got the third, we knew we had to take more risks to get back in the game. It wasn’t to be and they got a 4th which I thought flattered them a little. We were always in the game until the 4th goal, but we just didn’t get that bit of luck you sometimes need to beat a quality side. It wasn’t to be today but we will learn from it and go again, a good experience for the girls and we can now focus on our league games.”

Darlington started the brighter team, but it was Ponteland who went in front, an early goal against the run of play around 10 minutes. Ponteland then took more control and added a second on the half hour mark. A first half substitution was made around 38 minutes and Jen Harrison was only on the pitch for a minute, before hitting a great shot over the keeper’s reach to pull one back for Darlo. 

It was an evenly contested second half and Darlington were always in the game. Pushing for an equaliser, they found themselves 3-1 down with 20 minutes left after a very good finish from the Ponteland midfielder. Darlington pushed more bodies forward in search of getting back into the game. But Ponteland punished them in the 83rd minute to make it 4-1 and progress to the Third Round Qualifying.

It was a performance to be proud of from the Quaker Women and they showed they can compete against higher league opposition once again. 

Player of the match was chosen by our match sponsor today @The Darl Knight. They awarded the accolade to our captain for the day, Aimee Dagnall with another battling performance in the centre of midfield. Thanks for your support today. 

Many thanks to Ponteland United Women for the game and the best of luck in the next round and for the rest of the season.

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