Durham Women fell to defeat against promotion-chasing Crystal Palace.
Amy Andrews had brought the Blues level after Annabel Blanchard’s opener in a first half that was dominated by the home side.
But the Eagles were clinical after the break with a second from Blanchard added to by strikes from Molly Sharpe, Elise Hughes and Shanade Hopcroft to seal victory.
Claire Ditchburn made one change from the side that pushed league leaders Sunderland all the way last weekend, as Tatiana Saunders was handed a start between the sticks.
It was Durham who began brightly with Andrews forcing Demi Lambourne into an early stop from a tight angle after a threaded pass from Lily Crosthwaite.
Hughes then headed over at the other end but it was still the hosts asking the stronger of the questions – Andrews lobbing over the bar before then twice being denied by Lambourne when one-on-one.
And so it was against the run of play that Palace took the lead as Blanchard’s lob found the back of the net despite the best efforts of Saunders.
But Durham’s response was a strong one and they drew level through Andrews. Crosthwaite was the architect as she weaved into the box and found Saoirse Noonan. Her shot was well-saved, but Andrews was on hand to tuck home the rebound.
Both sides had chances before the break with Mollie Lambert thwarted by Lambourne before Fliss Gibbons drilled wide.
After the interval though, Palace upped the ante and took the lead when Blanchard squeezed home her second of the afternoon from close range.
Sharpe then curled home a stunning third from range before Hughes got in on the act, slotting into the bottom corner after being found in space.
Hopcroft rounded-off the scoring after finding herself through on goal as Palace claimed the three points.
The result sees Durham remain 9th, while Palace keep the pressure on in the promotion hunt.
Durham are in league action on April 21, when they travel to Reading in a 12pm kick-off.
The Blues are next in action at Maiden Castle on the final day of the season as Birmingham City visit the North East. Kick-off is set for 2pm on Sunday, April 28.
Tickets for that game are available from just £4 by clicking HERE.
Durham XI: Saunders, Briggs (Ryan-Doyle), S Wilson, Hepple (Bramley), Lambert (Nicholson), Andrews, Crosthwaite, Salicki (E Wilson), Bradley, Ayre, Noonan
Durham subs not used: McAloon, Christon,
Goals: Andrews
Bookings: S Wilson
Attendance: 880
