Durham Women make great strides toward their survival in the WSL2 for the 2026/27 campaign, as they return to winning ways at Maiden Castle.
A homage to club icon Sarah Robson and her dedication to the football club, the girls delivered on the field, taking all three points in a vital fixture.
Dominating early on, it was Durham who saw most of the ball, as visitors Sheffield United struggled to gather any response.
Entering the 17th minute, Durham found their first big goalscoring opportunity. Racing in behind, midfielder Mollie Lambert struck a powerful effort on goal, to see goalkeeper Rogers parry it clear over the bar. But It wouldn’t take long for Durham to find a deserved lead.
Latching onto Hepple’s through ball 18 yards out, Mariana Speckmaier struck low and watched, as the power proved too much for the Sheffield number 1, squirming beneath her.
Moments later, it was Durham’s goalkeeper that was called into action, with an acrobatic save to thwart a curling effort from range by the visitors.
Beyond the half way mark, the hosts maintained their dominance. Swinging in a dangerous lofted corner, Beth Hepple registered her second assist of the afternoon, as Dee Bradley’s towering header hit the back of the net for an emotional celebration.
The visitors found themselves back in the competition late on, with Andrews converting from their spot kick, though it proved little too late as Durham stood firm.
By Tom Whitton
