Darlington FC Women 2 Boro Rangers 4

The winning run of our women's team came to an end when they were beaten 4-2 at home by Boro Rangers on Sunday.

Quakers had won their first three friendly matches, but this was the toughest of the lot. They gave a good display, but Boro were better on the day.

Here's the match report from Shaun MacKenzie:

Nothing much happened in the first 10 minutes and both teams were feeling each other out. Nothing much was created but Boro Rangers started to get on top and had a lot more of the ball, keeping possession well and making Darlington chase the ball. It was all level till the 17th minute, when some individual brilliance from the Boro Rangers forward put them 1-0 ahead with a great finish. 

Darlington reacted well and were back level within two minutes of going behind. Some good work from Emma Carter on the left hand side saw Darlo gain a corner. Hattie Raine drove a fantastic ball into the box and Sophie Curle was on hand at the front post to volley home the equaliser. 1-1

Darlington were not level for long and after just scoring from a corner, a few minutes later, they conceded from one. A great save from the Darlington goalkeeper at her near post saw Boro Rangers react to the second ball quicker and tap home to regain the advantage. 2-1 to the Boro and just 22 minutes gone. Boro Rangers pushed on and Darlington allowed them too much time on the ball, a well worked goal saw Boro get a third goal, a good pick out from the left hand side and another top finish on the 26th minute to put them two goals ahead. The scoreline remained 3-1 with Boro Rangers deserving their lead at half time.

Darlington came out in the second half and put in a much better performance than the first half. They recovered the ball well and they saw a big improvement reacting to the second balls. Boro Rangers continued to try and play football the right way and the next 25 minute spell of the game was evenly matched with both teams going close and creating chances. 

We’re looking for volunteers to help with the women’s team – a physio, a kit person and a videographer. If you’re interested, drop Shaun MacKenzie a line on girlsdevelopment@darlingtonfcacademy.co.uk

It was Darlington who would get the next goal, Sophie Curle created a bit of space for herself out of nowhere and looking up, saw the keeper off her line, a great finish saw the ball loft over the Boro keeper’s head and Curle bag yet another brace. That’s now six goals in three games for the youngster since signing for the club. 

Darlington weren’t back in the game for long and just three minutes later, Boro Rangers capitalised on a mistake and regained their two goal advantage to make it 4-2. The last 15 minutes fizzled out and Boro saw the game out well, trying to keep the ball and winning comfortably in the end.

*Player of the Match* Emma Carter

Thankyou to Boro Rangers Women for the game and we wish them good luck for next season. 

#WeareDarlo

Starting X1

Trialist A 

Caisey Lee

Chloe Tinkler 

Alice Wearmouth 

Natalie Peart

EmmaCarter

Hattie Raine

Emma Doudican 

Chloe Bright 

Megan Mannick 

Sophie Curle 

Subs: 

Trialist B

Trialist C

Trialist D

We’d like to thank the following kit sponsors

Hattie Raine (sponsored by Krystal Sells), Emma Carter (The Cheese and Wine Shop), Emma Doudican (Winroths Hairdressers), Sarah Frew (Chic Beauty Academy), Martina Cuccanato (Premier 1 Filtration), Caisey Lee (Engage to Learn), Olivia Whitworth (Terry Farley MBE), Sophie Curle (Franks Carpets), Natalie Peart (RA Dalton Ltd)