Durham have continued their push for the FA Women’s Championship title with a gritty 1-0 victory over London Bees at Maiden Castle this afternoon.
In a match of few clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, Bridget Galloway prodded home the winner from close range early in the second half.
It was London Bees who were arguably the better side during a hard-fought first half. Lee Burch’s side were just inches away from breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute when Nicola Cousins thumped a shot against the bar. The loose ball left hearts in Durham mouths but The Wildcats managed to clear the danger.
Only a last-ditch tackle from Durham captain Sarah Wilson denied Sophie McLean a shot on goal 10 minutes later before Georgia Roberts headed a chance wide from a corner kick.
Home keeper Megan Borthwick then had to race out of her goal to dispossess McLean of the ball when she was clear through while her opposite number Sarah Quantrill was alert to push an Emily Roberts effort over the bar just before the interval as the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
Durham took the lead with the first shot on target of the second half. Lauren Briggs combined with Danielle Brown down the right and the latter passed the ball to Galloway who prodded home from no more than six yards.
That goal took the sting out of the London Bees attack, although in truth, visiting goalkeeper Quantrill was largely untroubled throughout the remainder of the match other than when dealing with corner kick deliveries.
Emily Roberts hit a shot straight at The Bees keeper on the hour before Hepple curled another free-kick over the bar. Mollie Lambert then got in a good position to score but blasted her effort wide.
Durham were unable to find another goal but it didn’t matter as they collected the three points which moves them level with Leicester City at the top of the FA Women’s Championship table.