Durham Women’s WSL Academy squad progressed to the next round of the League Cup with victory over Manchester City.
Lily Crosthwaite handed the Wildcats the lead before Poppy Pritchard netted the first two goals of her hat-trick to put the hosts in command.
Manchester City pulled two goals back to set-up a nervy finale, but Pritchard’s late penalty sealed progression for Durham.
Despite having a depleted squad to select from, it was the Wildcats who began brightly with Pritchard forcing an early save from the opposition goalkeeper.
Saoirse Noonan then also stung the palms of the City stopper as Durham pressed high.
And it was that high press that brought the opening goal of the game on 12 minutes – Pritchard forced the effort before the ball found its way to Crosthwaite, who arrowed home a drive from the edge of the area.
Noonan and Pritchard both had chances to extend the lead before the break, before the duo combined to double Durham’s advantage just 12 seconds after the restart.
After a fine run down the left from Noonan, her cross was nodded home by Pritchard.
And the young the forward wouldn’t have to wait long for her second and Durham’s third – as she sprung the offside trap before keeping her cool to slot home and make it three.
City then upped the ante and enjoyed a real spell of dominance, and pulled two goals back after through balls were finished-off well.
But dogged determination and resilience at the back from Durham saw them hold strong and preserve their one-goal advantage – before striking at the end of a lengthy period of stoppage time.
Grace Mackie burst down the right before playing in Pritchard who was hacked down in the area – with the forward dusting herself down to fire home from the spot.
And that proved to be the final action of the game, as Durham’s Academy side claimed another memorable win.
We’re holding an Academy Open Day in October half-term to allow players aged 16-21 in the 2023/24 season to learn more about our programme!
