The Quaker Women are back in league action this weekend when they travel to Houghton Kepier to take on early league leaders Chester Le Street Amazons. The two sides have met eight times before, the last being a victory for the Quakers in a 3-1 home win at Eastbourne in the February of last year. The goalscorers Chloe Ryan and Hattie Raine as well as an own goal.

A fixture against the Amazons was also the club’s first ever FA Cup game when they welcomed Amazons to Eastbourne for the first time in September 2021. Darlington won the game 4-2 with an early goal from Emma Doudican, followed up with a brace from Hattie Raine and the scoring was finished off in the 73rd minute by Sophie Curle.

Darlington haven’t always had it their own way against the Amazons. CLS have beaten Darlington twice, 6-2 in the May of 2023, a game in which Chloe Tinkler also scored our goal of the season that year. As well as a 3-1 win in the November of 2023 when Amazons went on to win the league and were promoted to the NE Regional League.

As it stands the record is, 4 wins for Darlington, 2 wins for Amazons and 2 draws. That includes a 5-3 County Cup game in November 2022. Ryan and Raine on the scoresheet again with a brace each and ex Quaker, Olivia Whitworth getting the other goal. 

After spending a season in the league above, Amazons were relegated last season and have started the season well back in the Durham FA Premier Division. Winning three games out of three, they have beaten Durham Cestria Reserves, Bishop Auckland Ladies and Newton Aycliffe F.C so will be full of confidence and both teams’ 100% record in the league will be on the line. 

The game will kick off at 2pm and it would be great to see as many Darlington fans as possible in the early top of the table clash.