Darlington Women came back from two goals down to pick up a deserved point against league leaders Norton and Stockton Reserves yesterday.

They were two goals down in the early stages of the game, but battled back well, and when the home side went 3-1 up, they dug into their reserves well to earn a point against the league leaders, who had a 100 per cent record before the game.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “I’m really proud of the girls’ efforts today. We showed plenty of character and resilience to dig in and come back from behind multiple times to get something from the game. To go 2 goals down in the first 20 minutes against the current league leaders could have resulted in a very long 90 minutes. However, the girls dug in and stayed in the game and pulled one back just before half time. Amélie kept us in the game with some great saves in the first half and we really went for it second half with a change of shape and some positive substitutions at half time.’

“It seemed like every time we got back in the game; we gifted them another goal and it was another knock back. However, the girls’ attitude and desire to not lose that game today was evident and we thoroughly deserved a point, if not more. You could argue all 4 goals conceded could have been avoided today, if we can eradicate the individual errors and make better decisions then draws will soon turn into wins.

“I am delighted to hand Annie her debut after being at the club since she was 9 and what a story for her to get the equaliser. We all know how good she is and she can be a real game changer for us this season. We’ve just got to manage her carefully still being so young, but she certainly proved, even in just 45 minutes today that she’s more than ready to compete at this level in the women’s game.”

Norton showed why they are currently top of the division and were 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes. Darlington never really got going in the first half but stayed in the game with some good saves from Amélie Crumpton. The Quaker Women grew into the game and a great passing move saw them get a goal back 8 minutes before half time. The ball found its way to Lily Wilkinson on the left hand side who delivered a lovely ball for Ella Leach to head home for her first of the day. 

Two substitutions at half time and a change of shape saw Darlington bring it to Norton second half. Issie Nattrass and Annie Anderson were introduced and Darlington immediately looked more threatening and on the front foot. Despite the positive start to the second half, a mix up at the back allowed Norton to regain their two goal advantage and make it 3-1 a few minutes in. 

Darlington continued to create chances and got another goal back on the 66th minute. Laura Hodgson, who had not long been on the pitch returning from a long term injury and making her first appearance of the season, won the header in the box which fell to Leach to compose herself, take a touch and put the ball in the net for her second of the game. 

Having reduced the deficit to 3-2, Darlington were still on the front foot and the equaliser looked like it was coming. However, it was Norton who once again doubled their advantage and went 4-2 ahead with some good work and finish from their centre forward. 

This did not deter a resilient Darlington side and half time substitute Issie Nattrass got them back in the game once more. She picked the ball up in Norton’s half and drove forward before unleashing a great strike over the keeper’s head to bring it back to 4-3.

A couple of minutes later, the Quaker Women got the equaliser. Substitutes Izzy Walker and Annie Anderson linking up well. Izzy with a pass from the right hand side and Annie dribbling centrally through a few players before finishing superbly into the bottom corner for her first goal for the senior side on her debut. What a way to announce yourself to the team just 11 days after turning 16 and earning your first minutes in women’s football. 

There were still over ten minutes left for a winner and both teams were looking for it. Chances at both ends but the game ended in a 4-4 draw and both teams take a point. 

Player of the match was awarded to Ella Leach, working extremely hard in the midfield, putting herself about and getting 2 goals at important stages of the game. 

Thanks to Norton Reserves for the game and good luck for the remainder of the season.

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