Durham Women’s WSL Academy team claim an extra point after a penalty win over Liverpool.
Despite a handful of strong chances, Durham were unable to fight their way back to a win after the equaliser from Liverpool. However, they did manage to claim a second point by the end of a close penalty shoot-out.
The Wildcats’ second chance of the game would see them find the back of the next. Wilson was able to gain possession of the ball after a defensive mistake in as early as the sixth minute, sending the ball to Noonan who was quick to find the corner of the net.
The pair would link up again to create a chance to find a second with Wilson crossing the ball in and Noonan winning the header, not quite being able to find the target and sending the ball over the net.
King saw her first action of the game when Liverpool were awarded a free kick from outside the box. They were able to take a powerful shot on target before the ball was cleared, King being quick to secure the ball.
The remainder of the first half saw Durham dominate and find a number of shots on target, none being able to change the score despite Noonan narrowly missing due to a blocked shot, directly after an attempt from Pritchard.
The Wildcat’s first substitution would see Noonan make way for Forster at half-time – with the later changes also introducing McCarthy, Pigford, Gatt and Rowell to the game.
Despite Liverpool starting the second half more dominant than the first, a quick turnaround saw Wilson curl the ball towards the top of the goal. The Liverpool keeper was able to make the save, preventing the Wildcats from scoring a second.
The 58th minute saw Durham being awarded a free-kick after a foul in the box. Liverpool’s goalkeeper was able to save Christon’s effort from the spot.
When Nicholson is booked for a foul, Liverpool take their chance and find the equaliser by curling the free kick into the top corner of the net.
Wilson was able to take advantage of another defensive mistake shortly after, her efforts being denied when Liverpool made the save once again.
The dying minutes of the game saw Wilson send a long ball forward to Pritchard, who did well to keep the ball down. Despite her attempts, she wasn’t able to find the back of the net.
A penalty shoot-out at the conclusion of the game saw King save Liverpool’s sixth penalty, allowing them to come away with the additional point.
Durham XI : King, Mackie, Collingbourne (Gatt), Giles, Christon, Gibbon (McCarthy), Pritchard, Monkhouse (Pigford), Noonan (Forster), Nicholson (Rowell), Wilson
Goal : Noonan
By Laura Smith
