It’s been another wonderful year for Durham Women.
There’s been no shortage of fine goals, memorable moments and superb results – and we’re lucky to have a great group of photographers capturing the action home and away.
So scroll down as we take a look back at some of the most iconic, memorable and intriguing images from the past twelve months…
Battling The Best
2021 again saw Durham face some of the best teams in the women’s game – and a midweek trip to West Ham United was a real barometer for the side.
While the Wildcats ultimately suffered defeat in the Continental Tyres Cup, it was another fixture that showcased the team’s ability to compete against the elite of the women’s game.
Image: West Ham United
Kicking-Off 2021 At Home
Our first home game of 2021 saw the side claim a 1-0 win over London Bees, courtesy of Bridget Galloway’s second half finish.
It was yet another game played in a behind closed doors environment – and this socially-distanced team photo will no doubt be a talking point in future years as we reflect on football during the pandemic.
Image: George Ledger
Debut Delight!
Ali Johnson couldn’t have wished for a better start to life at Durham Women!
Barely half an hour into her debut, the winger smashed home from the edge of the box to draw us level against Sheffield United in an important fixture at the top of the FA Women’s Championship.
The strike was captured in the above photo.
Image: George Ledger
Seven Up!
What a way to end the 2020/21 season!
A 7-1 win over Coventry United secured Durham Women’s highest-ever league finish – and who could forget this iconic Abby Holmes celebration?
Image: George Ledger
The Fans Are Back!
August 2021 brought the return of Durham Women to action – and more importantly, the return of fans.
For the first time since February 2020, supporters were able to watch their team in action and many flocked to the Maiden Castle for the first time to watch an 8-0 friendly win over Newcastle United.
Image: Craig McNair
The Perfect Start
Competitive fixtures in the 2021/22 season began with a visit from Watford – and the Wildcats got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win.
Goals from Lauren Briggs and Beth Hepple were enough, with the former captured celebrating her opener in the brilliant photo above.
Image: Craig McNair
Sticking Together
The 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic was, in many ways, the archetypal Durham Women performance.
The side showed plenty of the qualities they have become renowned for in recent years but – after a difficult week prior – it was the team’s togetherness that prevailed.
And that unity is captured perfectly here.
Image: George Wood/The FA
What a Feeling!
There’s nothing quite like scoring a goal – just ask Ellie Christon!
The full-back smashed home the opener in the 2-0 win over Lewes in September and was clearly delighted to net her first goal in several years.
Image: Craig McNair
Pure Passion
The trip to Sunderland – which saw the Wildcats beat their near neighbours for the first time in a competitive fixture – was filled with memorable moments (not least Mollie Lambert’s celebration…).
But one moment which may have gone unnoticed to many in the crowd was this show of passion from stopper Megan Borthwick after Beth Hepple’s opener.
Thankfully, it was well-captured on camera.
Image: George Ledger
Oh What A Night!
Let’s be honest, there’s dozens of memorable images from the draw with Manchester United that we could have chosen here.
But we’ve settled for just two – the first of which is Beth Hepple’s jump for joy as she celebrated netting a late leveller, which was well-deserved.
Image: Craig McNair
And the second is this shot of Dee Bradley after she scored her first goal for the club.
Against the team she and her family have supported for decades, it was a moment not to forget – and one clearly enjoyed by Danielle Brown in the background, too!
Image: George Ledger
The Kids Are Alright
While November brought some challenging results on the field, it saw a number of the club’s youngsters come to the fore.
Lily Crosthwaite, Grace Ayre, Brooke Mackain, Hannah Greenwood and Erin Nicholson all received valuable game-time – and are pictured here ahead of tackling Manchester City in the Continental Tyres Cup.
Image: Durham Women FC
Record Breakers
November also brought with it Women’s Football Weekend and the visit of Liverpool – which saw the Wildcats attract a league-record crowd.
While the result didn’t go the way of the home side, a packed-out Maiden Castle made for a memorable afternoon.
Image: Craig McNair
#OneClub
December brought some happier results on the pitch, while off the pitch the club and its fanbase once again pulled together to help those in need.
Hundreds of gifts were donated for children who would otherwise have gone without as part of the Metro Radio ‘Mission Christmas’ initiative – and here’s our Regional Talent Club players pictured with their superb donations.
Image: Durham Women FC
Ending The Year On a High
Fixtures in 2021 ended with a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Blackburn – and a fine performance to boot.
Abby Holmes netted a brace before Becky Salicki wrapped it up, and it’s the celebration to the latter’s goal which is pictured here.
Image: Craig McNair