Darlington Women suffered their first defeat of the season when they were beaten 4-0 at Birtley in the Durham County Women’s League on Sunday.

Quakers were below their best, but they’re confident they’ll be back to top form for their big FA Cup tie at Whitehaven this Sunday.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “It’s a tough result to take so early on in the season, but sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up and say the better team won on the day, and that was certainly the case.

“Losing Hattie Raine early on didn’t help us and we just couldn’t get to grips with them in the first 20 minutes. We were not good enough out of possession and they punished us. I thought we did a lot better once we changed shape and matched them up. But although we created a few chances it was one of those days that we never really looked like scoring.

“I do think the 4-0 scoreline flattered them and we were always in the game until the third goal went in. It seemed they scored at the right times in the game and any momentum we were starting to build was undone by another goal. They were clinical today and that was the difference, a couple of strikes that no goalkeeper in this league is stopping and sometimes that happens.

“We will put the result behind us and hope to bounce back next week in the FA Cup at Whitehaven. The girls always have a great attitude at training and want to learn, so we will learn from today and look forward to the next game.”

Here’s the match report by Chris Barrett

As expected Birtley came out strong and dominated possession moving the ball well.

It was a blow on 7 minutes when Hattie Raine was forced to withdraw leaving Darlington without their most potent attacking threat. She was replaced by Lily Wilkinson and on 13 minutes a measured ball was played over the defence by Aimee Dagnall for Wilkinson to smartly latch on to and race away to get a shot on goal but it was well saved by the goalkeeper. 

A few minutes later Darlington had another chance which was a solid long range strike from Jen Harrison but again it was well saved by the keeper. Birtley began taking a grip of the game again and it took a solid punch from Evie Whitaker to clear out a ball from a corner. 

After 21 minutes Birtley took the lead with a ball being played through the right of centre for the striker to run on to and finished low past the keeper. Two minutes later, Birtley won a free kick 20 yards from goal and it was a magnificent strike into the top corner which doubled the Birtley lead. 

Darlington started to get more of a foothold in the game getting more of the ball winning battles in the middle of the park and went in at the break at 2-0 down. 

Darlington started the second half better than the first and created a good opportunity with a high press allowing a shot from Chloe Bright but it went wide of the goal.  Birtley were still playing the ball about well and had chances with one coming out off the bar and a volley from close range struck over. 

Good work from Wilkinson pressing the ball allowed a chance for Chloe Ryan but again the shot was saved.  After 66 minutes it was 3-0 when a shot which drew a fine save from Whitaker came back out and wasn’t dealt with and Birtley had space to smash another great strike into the top corner. 

Darlington continued to push and this left gaps which allowed Birtley free space on the edge of the area to lift the ball over the keeper for the fourth and final goal. 

Darlington didn’t give up but didn’t have the cutting edge to finish any opportunities that arose.  It was a disappointing result for the first away game of the season but Darlington will need to lift themselves for the next round of the FA Cup. 

Player of the match was again awarded to the outstanding Aimee Dagnall putting her body on the line to battle hard for the midfield possession and creating Darlington’s best opportunities.

Thanks to our kit 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