Durham Women put in a valiant display against top-flight side Manchester United in their opening Subway Players Cup fixture.
The Reds took an early through Rebecca Bernal, only for Lucy Watson’s free-kick to ensure the sides went in level at the break.
But United’s quality showed in the second half, as goals from Dominique Janssen, Monica Jusu Bah, Mared Griffiths and Elisabeth Terland – all of whom are senior internationals – wrapped-up the win.
Willie Kirk opted to rotate his squad for this midweek clash at the Wolf Competitions Stadium – with Lucy Watson, Grace Ayre, Emma Brown, Amber Stobbs, Grace Ede and Anna King all handed starts.
And stopper King was called into action early on as she acrobatically tipped Simi Awujo’s arrowing strike over the bar.
But there nothing she could do about the opening goal of the night as Bernal connected with a set-piece – her effort looping into the top corner.
Durham’s response was strong and immediate – a teasing Jade Pennock cross was kept alive by Grace Ede whose powerful strike from the angle struck the bar.
Pennock then turned provider again, heading a Beth Hepple’s free-kick into a dangerous area with Grace Ayre just unable to convert.
Another set-piece would bring the leveller though, as Watson’s curling free-kick caught-out Janina Leitzig and nestled in the bottom corner.
Chances were at a premium in the remainder of the half, although King did well to save at the feet of Ellen Wangerheim after she broke through on goal.
But after the restart, United upped the ante. King did well to deny Griffiths from range and Jusu Bah from a tight angle, but could do nothing to keep out Janssen’s fine free-kick.
Jusu Bah then added a third with a neat finish from the edge of the box before well-worked moves allowed Griffiths and Terland to net and add some gloss to the scoreline.
