Darlington Women 2 Boldon 2

Darlington Women were in the lead twice, but had to settle for a draw at home to Boldon on Sunday.

Chloe Ryan and Hattie Raine in turn both gave Darlington the lead, but twice Boldon fought back and equalised. Nevertheless, Quakers are now unbeaten in five matches.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “Although we didn’t get the win, I am somewhat pleased with the performance, it was a decent game of football. More open than we would have liked but entertaining nonetheless. Both teams went for it and it’s one of those games where a draw is possibly a fair result, but we are equally disappointed not to take the three points.

“We started the game the better team and we had some great chances in the first half, we probably should have gone in at half time with a bigger lead than 1-0 but that’s football. Their keeper made some good saves in the first half and the second half was a much more even game. It could turn out to be a good point and it extends our unbeaten run to five matches. We move on and look to the next game, as we welcome Darlington Spraire next Sunday at the Eastbourne Community Stadium.”

Match report from Chris Barrett

The game started at a high tempo with both teams getting early efforts away on goal with Darlington’s Grace Dobson getting a solid strike just tipped over the bar and Boldon breaking in down the right and getting a shot in but pulling it just wide.

This went on deep into the first half with a neat ball into the path of Hattie Raine who struck a powerful drive but it was well saved by the keeper. 

On 28 minutes, Darlington had a corner on the left hand side which was hit deep across by Hattie Raine to the back post to Sara Ellis who headed it back across goal to be met by Chloe Ryan who nodded the ball in from close range to give Darlington the lead. 

The game remained even and Boldon came close on 41 minutes with a strong strike from distance but it was a good stop from Hannah Billingham who claimed the ball after keeping it out. Darlington continued to press but could not make another breakthrough before the half time whistle went.

Darlington again started slow after the break and were punished straight away with the ball breaking through the middle for the striker to break the defensive line and poke the ball into the back of the net. 

On the hour mark it was Billingham who did remarkably well when the attacker broke through and Billingham managed to get a foot in to turn the ball away.

Two minutes later, Darlington were awarded a penalty when Chloe Ryan broke into the box and a clumsy challenge from behind took Ryan down. Ryan stepped up but her strike went agonisingly wide of the left hand post and the score remained 1-1.

On 72 minutes substitute Lily Wilkinson made a strong run down the right wing and pulled the ball across the box where it was met by Hattie Raine who won the race to the ball and turned it in past the keeper. 

Darlington should have pressed on but after 79 minutes Boldon were level again when the ball wasn’t dealt with down the Boldon right and it allowed the striker to break through and strike the ball in off the left hand post.

Boldon did come close again before the end of the game but poked the ball wide when in front of goal. Neither side could find the breakthrough and the game ended with the teams taking a point a piece. 

Darlington will be disappointed with the draw as there were a number of opportunities to score with Darlington hitting the bar twice and not being able to convert their chances. Darlington will need to be more clinical next weekend if they want to win the Darlo Derby.

There were a number of strong performances across the pitch but player of the match was awarded to Ava Pearson who dominated well at the back, breaking up play and looking to play through the lines to build the attacks.

We’d like to thank our shirt sponsors:

Aimee Dagnall Home:  South Durham Blinds

Ava Pearson Home: OneGym

Chloe Bright          Home:  SR Entertainments

                              Away: Anglo Tech

Chloe Ryan      Home: The Richard Watson Memorial

                              Away The Darl Knight Comics

Chloe Tinkler      Home: Steve Halliday

                              Away: Brinkburn Pub

Emily Taylor Home and away: Future Heat Group

Emma Carter Home Direct Flooring

                              Away: John Zissler Driving School

Evie Whittaker Home Steve Halliday

Grace Taylor Home and away: Lee McNamara

Hattie Raine Home : CNA Electronics

Katie Bragg: Home The White Daisies

                       AwayY2K hair Design

Katie Sheridan Home: Darlington Mind

                              Away; The Darl Knight

Kistra Williams : Home: Hawthorne Holiday Cottages

Leanne Clennett: home and away Stockton Town Rugby Club

Lexie Scott: home and away Dysfunctional Dads

Lily Large Home: The Darl Knight

                  Away; Lineside Fencing

Lily Wilkinson Home and Away; Pink Sundays

Lou Brown Home: Saddington Taylor

Lucy Hart: Home: D and G Trophies

Millie Garnett: Home: Eco Hair Salon

                              Away: Anglo Tech Group

Millie Soderman Home and away; Kia Stockton

Nicole Graham: Home and away: Quality Painting

Sara Ellis: Home; Time Travellers Disco

                  Away: Mark White CBE DL

Shaun MacKenzie : John Vickerman