Claire Ditchburn believes Durham Women’s first-half performance against Sheffield United should give the side plenty of belief moving forward.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup before the Blues claimed the bonus point via a dramatic win on penalties.
It was a real game of two halves, with Durham bossing the opening period before the Blades saw much more of the ball after the interval.
And Ditchburn was pleased with the side’s showing in the opening 45 minutes – which was a perfect response to defeat at Birmingham last weekend.
“We came into the game very motivated after the score at the weekend and I think the girls showed that first half,” said the Head Coach.
“We put together some very good combinations and were very front foot, and were maybe just disappointed not to be further ahead.
“Obviously Sheffield United have come out in the second half and it’s a little bit disappointing to concede that late goal, but to pick ourselves up again and win the penalty shootout is really good.
“We know how we’re capable of playing – it’s just about getting that consistency now,” she continued.
“I feel like I’m saying this quite often, but when you see spells like we had in that first half – the amount of chances we created – it definitely gives us a lot of belief moving forward.”
Amy Andrews was on the scoresheet for Durham as she netted her third goal of the campaign with a cool finish past Eleanor Heeps.
And Ditchburn was delighted to see the forward back on the scoresheet after a positive performance.
“I thought she took it so well,” she said.
“She had one or two other chances that she created with her movement and her pace, and she was a real threat all game.
“She took her penalty in the shootout really well too, so I think she had a really positive night.”
The penalty shootout saw every outfield player have to step up to the mark – with Naoisha McAloon making three crucial saves to secure Durham’s victory.
And while it was nail-biting in the stands, Ditchburn took a more relaxed approach.
“To be honest, penalty shootouts – there’s nothing I can do about that. It’s up to the girls.
“We’re really pleased for all the ones who stepped up and score and I take my hat off to them.
“The performance of Neesh was just unbeliveable.”
Durham now head into an international break with their next fixture set to be an Adobe Women’s FA Cup tie on December 10.
That lengthy break is the perfect opportunity for Ditchburn and her staff to continue their work on the training ground.
“We’ll get some good work in,” she added.
“Hopefully we’ll get a few players back that are carrying niggles so we can be fresh and raring to go when we get back into it.”
