Hebburn Town Women 3 v Newton Aycliffe Youth Women FC 3
Coming into this clash riding the high of back-to-back wins, Hebburn Town had momentum on their side. But Aycliffe weren’t there to simply make up the numbers, they came to compete.
However, Hebburn struck first after 17 minutes, capitalising on a rare lapse in concentration from Aycliffe’s defence. A simple front post tap in, avoidable, yes, but football punishes even the briefest switch off.
Just four minutes later, Annabelle Wilkinson McMillan showcased vision, resisting the urge to shoot, instead laying it off to Kate, who unleashed an absolute thunderbolt from the edge of the box that left the keeper rooted. A couple of lapses saw Hebburn reclaim control, taking a 3-1 lead into half time.
The second half started tight, but Aycliffe grew into the game. Then, the turning point. A perfectly weighted through ball found Beth, who showed sheer determination, shrugging off two defenders before rounding the keeper, only to be brought down. Penalty. No nerves, no doubt, Beth stepped up, buried it. 3-2. Game on.
Wave after wave of pressure followed. The clock ticked into the 90th minute. Aycliffe refused to accept defeat. Amber intercepted brilliantly in midfield, feeding Beth, who held her marker off before slipping the ball to Jess on the edge of the box. Jess Knights drove inside, slicing through defenders like they weren’t there, before sliding a clever pass across the 18 yard box. Up from centre back, Martha, timing her run to perfection slotted the ball coolly into the bottom corner through a sea of bodies, 3-3. Scenes of celebration followed. There was even time to push for a winner, but the whistle blew and the spoils shared.
Player of the Match: Kate Williams, sponsored by Armstrong Building Services.
Tactical discipline. Relentless work rate. A goal that deserves to be on highlight reels. Kate did everything asked of her, and more.