Darlington have now scored 24 goals in their last two matches after thumping Hartlepool 9-1 at Eastbourne on Sunday.

Quakers put 15 past Bishop Auckland in their previous game, and they were in the same mood again, scoring nine thanks to an excellent first half.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “We’re absolutely buzzing to get the three points against Hartlepool. The girls knew we had to build on the Bishop win but that’s easier said than done. To put nine goals past a decent Pools side who did sit above us in the league table before today and took 6sixpoints of us last season, shows we really showed up and put on a performance.

“We were up for the game and couldn’t wait for the first whistle after having a week off since our record 15-0 win. We got off to a great start and it’s always good to get the first goal early on. That settled us and we played some fantastic football throughout the game.

“Although we scored 9 and all the forwards will get the plaudits, I would like to stress how good we were defensively today. We were excellent in recovery and regaining possession and we won a lot of the second balls. Quite a few of our goals came from playing out from the back as well and they really enjoyed themselves. The midfield three put a shift in and it was an all round good team performance.

“Hannah Billingham pulled off a great save in the first half at 2-0 and that was a crucial part in the game. An earlier goal for Pools could have changed the momentum in the game and we ended up getting the third shortly after. When we did concede, we went straight up the other end to regain our three goal advantage and didn’t look back.

“Some excellent goals and finishes today and some really unselfish forward play. It could have been double figures if it wasn’t for the crossbar and we’ve got to take that confidence in front of goal in to next week’s game. We travel to Boldon to take on the league leaders and if we turn up like we did today, then it will be a cracking game.”

Match Report: Written by Leila Wilcock 

Battling through wet and windy conditions yesterday, the Quaker Women delivered yet another dominant performance in this local derby, sealing an incredible 9-1 victory over Hartlepool Pools Youth F.C. This follows their landslide victory against Bishop Auckland Ladies two weeks ago, with an end result of 15-0 to Darlington. 

Pools Youth entered the pitch with recent history in their favour, having beaten Darlington in two consecutive league games last season (5-3, 3-1). Despite this, captain Aimee Dagnall led with assurance to coordinate the side, while the return of attacker Hattie Raine from injury added extra firepower in her first game back. From the opening whistle, the team laced up their boots, brought their A game, and never looked back. 

The breakthrough came early, with Laura Hodgson opening the scoring in the 5th minute after meeting a beautifully assisted corner from Leanne Clennett. Momentum stayed firmly with the Quaker Women as Nicole Graham and Lily Wilkinson extended the lead with well-taken goals in the 21st and 24th minutes, establishing a commanding 3-0 advantage. Pools Youth pulled one back shortly afterwards to make it 3-1, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly eliminated when forward Chloe Ryan struck, finishing confidently after an assist from Chloe Bright. 

The first half ended in a triumphant fashion as Lily Wilkinson produced an exceptional goal in stoppage time (45+1), sending the teams into the break with the Quaker Women leading 5-1.

After half-time, Darlington continued to drive forward with intent, using the wing players to stretch the opposition and maintain attacking pressure. Chloe Bright struck brilliantly into the empty net in the 51st minute, when it was put on a plate for her by Grace Dobson, before Lily Wilkinson completed her well-earned hat-trick soon after with an assist from Aimee Dagnall, extending the lead to 7-1. 

Ryan and Hodgson were then withdrawn, introducing Ella Leach and Bailey Ryder-Ingledew from the bench. In the later stages of the match, Bright and Dobson formed a dynamic partnership around the opposition’s goal, combining to score and assist in the 65th and 66th minutes to push the scoreline to 9-1. Further changes saw Dagnall, Dobson, Bright, and Wilkinson make way for Izzy Walker, Hattie Raine, Lexie Scott, and Grace Taylor as the Quaker Women saw out the final minutes of play in total control to secure a convincing 9-1 victory.

Player of the match was chosen by Sunday’s match sponsor the Darl Knight and was awarded to number 11, Grace Dobson, for her powerful second half performance. With two assists and a goal to her name, Grace was a constant threat down the left-hand side of the pitch.

Their emphatic win and the three points earned see Darlington climb to fifth place in the league with 19 points, overtaking Pools Youth, who now sit sixth on 18 despite having played four more games this season. With momentum firmly on their side, the team are determined to press on with confidence and continue their climb up the table. In their current form, they certainly have more than enough grit, enthusiasm and determination to do just that. 

The team now look ahead to their next fixture away to Boldon CA Ladies this Sunday, 22nd February.

Here's the league table

https://fulltime.thefa.com/index.html?selectedSeason=65571865&selectedFixtureGroupAgeGroup=1&selectedDivision=371387182&selectedCompetition=0

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