Durham put the final touches to their preparations for the new season this afternoon when they take on FA Women’s National League North Division One side Newcastle United at Maiden Castle.
The Wildcats begin the 2021/2022 FA Women’s Championship campaign against Watford on home soil next weekend and their meeting against The Lady Magpies will act as the final dress rehearsal for that match.
The Durham squad will line-up in a familiar fashion this season with the club having retained the core of their 2020/2021 squad over the summer. No less than 15 members of last season’s squad have signed on again for the new campaign with manager Lee Sanders opting to keep faith with those players who served both Durham and the North East so well last season.
Durham fans could get an opportunity to welcome summer signing Liz Ejupi to the club this afternoon. The Albanian forward joined The Wildcats over the summer following a spell with London City Lionesses. There could also be the opportunity for fans to finally get a glimpse of the 2020/2021 signings including the likes of Mollie Lambert, Bridget Galloway, Danielle Brown, Dee Bradley and Ali Johnson with The Wildcats having played all of their matches behind-closed-doors since February 2020.
On the pitch, The Wildcats’ form is unknown going into their final pre-season friendly. The club are understood to have contested a number of pre-season matches already but their results have not been publicised.
Newcastle United arrive at Maiden Castle having made a superb start to the new FA Women’s National League North Division One season last weekend. Becky Langley’s side won 6-0 at FC United of Manchester as they ended the opening weekend top of the table. The Lady Magpies handed debuts to eight players in that match with manager Langley having significantly strengthened her squad over the summer.
The Tynesiders negotiated their way through pre-season unbeaten and they could be tough opponents for Durham in their latest match. Newcastle United recorded a win and a draw against third tier side Middlesbrough in warm-up games while they have seen off Wallsend BC, Hashtag United, South Shields, York City and Norton & Stockton Ancients.
Some of the players to watch in this Newcastle United side include former England youth international forward Katie Barker and summer signing Rebecca Ferguson. Midfielder Georgia Gibson can also provide a goalscoring threat from midfield.
Durham’s final pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at Maiden Castle kicks-off at midday with fans permitted to attend for the first time in 18 months. Admission is available on the gate priced at £7 Adults, £5 Students and £3 Under-16s. Fans are encouraged to buy in advance by clicking here.
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