Hepple’s heroics hand Durham last-gasp win over Blackburn Rovers

Beth Hepple scored with the last kick as Durham twice came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 in a Barclays Women’s Championship fixture at Maiden Castle this afternoon.

Goals from Lucy Newell and Rachel Dugdale twice gave the away side the lead, but Kaila Novak and Becky Salicki levelled before Hepple’s heroics won the game for The Wildcats.

The hosts had the better of the chances early on. Lily Crosthwaite put a presentable chance wide while Novak forced Alex Brooks into a good save low to her right. Alice Griffiths also fired wide after an excellent right-wing cross from Novak.

The sucker punch came in the 44th minute. A deep free-kick from the left was met by Newell, who glanced a fine header into the far corner to hand the visitors the lead. It was a goal that came against the run of play but represented the only real moment of quality in the opening 45 minutes.

The North East side came flying out of the blocks in the second half and Novak grabbed the equaliser within two minutes of the restart, swivelling in the box to finish off a scramble from a corner.

Chances again came and went for Durham and they were punished after 55 minutes. The cross again came from the left side with Dugdale heading the ball back across and in off the post.

The home side responded and Salicki pounced at the back post to head home Hepple’s right-wing corner after 62 minutes to level once again.

Hepple then stepped up in the 97th minute as she produced a dipping effort that secured all three points for Durham against a crestfallen Blackburn Rovers side.

Durham return to Barclays Women’s Championship action after the international break when they travel to Sunderland while Blackburn Rovers’ next match is at home to Birmingham City.

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Jack Twydale

Freelance journalist specialising in sport. North East reporter for WSL Full-Time

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