top of page

Goalkeeping Glory: Tatiana Saunders first name on score-sheet

ellamayfrench

Another day, another match report. Let's get into it!


Wednesday the 8th saw all three teams face competitors in yet another big BUCS Wednesday, and let me tell you, there were some memorable moments.


As all three teams were home, this meant that morale was at an all time high, with every player in each squad excited to bring their A-game. Emma Wallis' team faced Stirling 1s at home, Charlotte Kingsbury's' faced Leeds 2s in their first cup game this season, and Jess Fullers' faced Leeds Beckett 2s in what would end up becoming a nail-biting match! With injuries lingering, this week saw some wildcard performances, stellar debuts, and plenty of goals. With all of this is mind, let's swiftly move onto our third teams' match report.

 

Durham 3s vs Leed Beckett 2s (H)


Durham University Women's 3's faced a formidable challenge in their cup game against Leeds Beckett 2's, a team that had proven to be a tough opponent in the previous season. However, Durham entered the match with a determined and eager squad, having worked relentlessly throughout the week to address the challenges they encountered against York St John 1's in the previous week.


The game kicked off with high intensity from Durham that continued throughout the match until the final whistle. Durham's midfield displayed beautiful and dominant play, consistently seeking through balls. Olivia Fairhurst and Isabel Cory were standout performers, giving their all to maintain possession and create textbook through balls for the front line.


Despite facing injuries within the club, Izzy Priory stepped up in goal for Durham 3's, demonstrating composure and confidence. The solid back line, led by Esme Gee, effectively dealt with Leeds' attacking plays and ensured ball possession.


Helen Dooner scored the lone goal in the first half, capitalising on Leeds' defensive error after a high press from the front three. At halftime, Durham was eager to extend their lead further in the second half.


Leeds was awarded a penalty in the second half, but Izzy Priory confidently caught the shot, leading to a momentous counter-attack which unfortunately ended with an unsuccessful shot at the Leeds' keeper.


Substitutions in the second half, including Anna Meller, Cody Taylor, and Harriet Wigley, injected even more energy into Durham's plays. Despite skillful play and even more opportunities from the Durham team, Leeds managed to equalise from a dubious corner, leading the game to penalties.


Izzy Priory's experience in facing penalties in the second half shone through in the shootout. After the first five penalties resulted in a 4-4 draw, the game went into sudden death, with Leeds ultimately securing the win.


Despite the disappointment of not securing a full-time victory, Durham maintained high spirits. Looking forward to the next week's crucial game against Newcastle 2's away, the team is eager to showcase their determination and class once again. The positive attitude and resilience exhibited by Durham University Women's 3's are indicative of a team poised for future success.


- Jess Fuller

 

Durham 2s vs Leeds 2s (H)


For the 2’s first home game of the season, they were drawn against University of Leeds 2s in the first round of the cup.


A few fresh faces were on the team sheet, including 3s players Bella Coetzee starting as centre back, Millie Crawford in goal and Rachel Young on the bench.


Despite the relatively slow start from the team, Leeds rarely posed a threat in the defensive third, and Durham had the majority of possession. After winning a foul a few yards outside the box, Ella Beecham stepped up to take the freekick. A sweet strike into the top left corner saw the ball fly into the back of the net. 1-0 Durham.


The team started gaining momentum from the lead, which saw some impressive runs from full back Zuzu Zaldua who linked up well with the attacking midfield. After some clever play from the midfield and right winger Ella Richards, the ball was crossed to Emily Baker who managed to wrap her foot around the ball and strike it. A very impressive save from Leeds’s keeper kept the scoreline 1-0 at half-time.


Going into the second half, Durham were determined to secure a more comfortable lead. Durham’s defence had a busier second half, trying to fend off any threats made by through balls and counter attacks. Goalkeeper Millie did well on numerous occasions to come out and act as a sweeper, keeping the scoreline as it was.


As the half continued, a nice through ball from CAM Ella Beecham to her fellow midfielder, Emily Baker, led to Durham’s second goal, after a touch and impressive finish over the keeper’s head and into the bottom left corner. 2-0 Durham.


Leah Monk’s substitution into midfield after 15 minutes was pivotal in Durham keeping this attacking momentum. Her creativity on and off the ball meant that Durham were now dominating.


Ella Richards was moved from right wing to striker, and two minutes later she found herself 1v1 against the keeper. She stayed composed and slotted the ball in. 3-0 Durham.


Having conceded a corner, Durham were in a vulnerable position. However, a safe clearance from the defence went to Ella Richards waiting up top. The ball deflected off the defender and she was in past the defence. She made a long and anticipated run where once again; she dribbled past the keeper and placed the ball in the back of the net. 4-0 Durham.


A solid result from the team. Hopefully this winning attitude will continue throughout the rest of the competition.

Player of the match: Emily Baker


- Charlotte Kingsbury

 

Durham 1s vs Stirling 1s (H) - 08/11/23


The game started quite scrappy, but it was clear from the onset that Durham were clearly the stronger side. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 6-1 win for Durham, thus our first team were confident in their abilities to secure another win.


Not much was created by Durham until Tatiana Saunders (yes the Durham goal keeper!) scored from a free kick by the half way line to break the deadlock! Yes. You heard it right. The first team keeper waltzed up to the free kick, projecting it brilliantly into the Stirling goal. However, the most spectacular thing is that it’s not the first time she’s ever done this. Tatiana Saunders does indeed possesses a Guinness world record for the furthest goal scored in women’s football!


The second goal came from a quick throw in by Pip Evans to Faye Dale, who chested the ball and hit a wonderful strike that fired its way into the top corner off the post. The keeper had no chance! Half time Durham saw 2-0 up.


The second half saw Durham maintain momentum and dominance. I don’t think Tats in goal had to use her hands once. However Durham struggled to get more goals even if the quality of football being played had improved compared to the first half. Chances fell to multiple players including Becky, Faye, Esther and Vicky but the only goal in the half came from Thalia who headed in a brilliant cross from Vicky to finish the game off. Full time saw Durham 3-0 Sterling.


A solid defensive display to keep a clean sheet , and another 3 points, sends Durham top of the league on goal difference ahead of St Andrews who dropped 2 points in a 1-1 draw away to Loughborough. Next week sees a top of the table clash where Durham travel away to St Andrews.


- Emma Wallis

 

Next Wednesday sees some more big games for our Durham teams, most significantly Durham 1s vs St Andrews 1s. Nevertheless, all three teams will be drawing on the positives and negatives ahead of next week.



[Durham 1s after their win against Stirling 1s]


71 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page