Durham exited the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after a hard-fought defeat to Sheffield United at Maiden Castle.
Charlie Devlin’s 63rd minute opener was just enough for the visitors.
It was a fairly even start to the game, with both teams having chances at goal, and Durham defended brilliantly with a number of saves from goalkeeper Cat Sheppard and some brilliant blocks from Grace Ayre.
Durham had a good opportunity in the 23rd minute when Ella Wilson found Mariana Speckmaier but unfortunately the shot wasn’t strong enough to beat Sian Rogers in the Sheffield United goal.
Durham went into this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, but they were only two points behind their FA Cup opponents in the Women’s Super League 2, making it an even competition between the two.
Sheffield United came out the stronger side in the second half, but the Blues still had their chances through Speckmaier, who had a brilliant shot from outside the box which was just wide, and Hepple had a shot saved by Rogers not long afterwards.
Devlin took a shot from the near post which flew across the face of the goal and nestled into the far corner, beating Sheppard and the Durham defenders to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Unfortunately a late Hepple penalty couldn’t beat Rogers and Durham departed the FA Cup after nearly 100 minutes of football.
Durham: Sheppard, Ayre, Briggs, Toland, S Wilson (C), Hepple, Ede (Jones 76′), Speckmaier (Pritchard 79′), E Wilson (Watson 76′), Foster, McFarland (Collinson 76′)
Unused subs: King, Blake, Grant, Coulson, Noble
