Durham Women progressed to the Fourth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after victory at Birmingham City.
Grace Ayre’s first senior goal for the club proved enough for the Blues to progress after a superb away day display.
The tie pitted the top two in the Barclays Women’s Championship against each other and there was little between the sides in the early exchanges.
But as the first half drew on, it was Durham who began to create the better of the opportunities.
Carly Johns pinched possession inside the Birmingham half and was only denied by a fine Lucy Thomas save, before Lily Crosthwaite had to remain alert to clear a Lily Agg header off the line at the other end.
And with half-time approaching, the visitors took the lead – as a flowing move ended in Ayre sweeping home from the edge of the area.
Birmingham started the second half with real intent but resolute defending from Durham restricted their chances, while the North East side remained a threat on the break.
Substitute Kaila Novak drilled narrowly wide from the edge of the box before Mollie Lambert’s audacious effort from range cannoned back off the crossbar with stopper Lucy Thomas beaten.
The hosts continued to dominate the ball in the late stages but failed to seriously test Tatiana Saunders – as Durham sealed their progression to the next stage of the competition.
Durham XI: Saunders, Ayre, Briggs, S Wilson, Hepple, Lambert, Johns, Blake (Bradley 70), Crosthwaite (Novak 57), Salicki, Foster
Durham subs not used: King, Bramley, E Wilson, Ryan-Doyle, Holmes
Goal: Ayre 42
Booking: Novak 90
