Darlington Women are through to the second qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup after a superb 2-0 away win at Hebburn on Sunday.

Both goals came in the second half from Lily Wilkinson and Jen Harrison to put Quakers into today’s lunchtime draw.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “I am delighted with the 2-0 win and that we will be in the hat for the next round. It was a fully deserved victory and that’s two wins in a row to start the season. The pitch was rock hard and really bobbly, so it was hard for the girls to play much football. We spoke at half time about being a little more direct and putting away our chances and we got the two goals we deserved in the end.

“The first goal was needed after a goalless first half and Lily Wilkinson took her goal extremely well. Ella Leach started the move off with a great ball to Hattie Raine and she was excellent today for her first senior appearance at just 16 years old. Jen had another great game and was deservedly awarded player of the match.

“A little dampener on the day was Lou Brown getting injured in the warm up. But fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious and we have her back with us sooner rather than later. Laura Hodgson came in and didn’t put a foot wrong, also making her full competitive debut and slotting straight into the team like she’s always been with us. Very happy with our second clean sheet in a row and plenty of positives to take into next week when we welcome Hebburn to Eastbourne to kick off our league campaign.”

It was goalless at half time after a cagey first half. However, Darlington had the majority of possession and created the better chances. 

It was 10 minutes into the second half when the deadlock was broken. A great ball from Ella Leach making her full debut, found Hattie Raine who fed Lily Wilkinson through and she finished well to make it 1-0 Darlo. The Quakers continued to push for the second but Hebburn were always still in the game at 1-0. The game was wrapped up when the captain for the day, Jen Harrison, got onto a long throw and finished from close range to make it 2-0 Darlo.

Player of the match was awarded to Jen Harrison for a dominant display in the middle of the park and a goal to finish off the game and put the Quakers in the hat for the next round. 

Many thanks to Hebburn Town F.C Women for the game and we will see you next week in our league fixture. 

Thanks for all your support today, always appreciated!

Scott Barrow was amongst the crowd, here he is with the team afterwards

The draw for the next round, on 21st September, is published Monday lunchtime