Durham were given a real test of their resolve as they held their nerve to defeat London City Lionesses 1-0 at Maiden Castle this afternoon in the FA Women’s Championship.
Defender Dee Bradley netted the only goal early in the second half as The Wildcats remained at the top of the FA Women’s Championship table.
Durham started brightly and some clever work from Ellie Christon down the right almost played in Bridget Galloway to score but she was beaten to the ball by visiting keeper Shae Yanez.
The Wildcats took the lead from the resulting corner when Bradley headed home at the back post and Lee Sanders’ side were unlucky not to be two goals to the good after eight minutes as Galloway’s shot was blocked, Durham again exposing their opponents down the right.
London City Lionesses grew into the game and Rianna Jarrett forced a good block from home keeper Megan Borthwick before Brooke Nunn’s curling effort was pushed onto the bar.
The game’s big talking point came in the final minute of the first half when Harley Bennett hacked down Galloway on the edge of the box. The London City Lionesses player looked to be the last defender but she was only booked.
The second half saw fewer chances created but more pressure applied by the visitors. Durham did have a chance early in the half as Sarah Robson poked an effort wide but after that, it was largely one-way traffic.
Carly Girasoli went closest for the visitors with a bullet header that somehow went wide but all-in-all, head coach Melissa Phillips will have been left scratching her head over how her side had so much of the ball but failed to test home keeper Borthwick.
The result leaves Durham two points clear at the top of the FA Women’s Championship table with 18 points from seven games.
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