Durham Women were narrowly beaten by top flight side Aston Villa in their latest Continental Tyres Cup clash.
Rachel Daly’s late second half goal sealed the Villans victory – but the result didn’t tell the story of a game in which the Wildcats more than played their part.
Indeed, it was Durham who had the first major chance of the game as Georgia Robert cracked a half-volley against the woodwork after the hosts failed to clear a corner.
Both sides showed plenty of intent in the early stages and traded-off chances – Freya Gregory firing wide for Villa before Rio Hardy’s low drive was parried away by Hannah Hampton.
Dee Bradley then sent a header narrowly over from Beth Hepple’s teasing corner while Kenza Dali was twice denied by Naoisha McAloon as the Women’s Super League side ended the half strongly.
The second half was one of few chances with Villa dictating possession while Durham defended resolutely.
But after a quick counter-attack, Bradley saw another header cleared off the line from a corner as the visitors continued to be a threat from set plays.
Laura Blindkilde then should have put the hosts ahead when she side-footed wide inside the box as Villa continued to probe.
And the deadlock would eventually be broken 15 minutes from time when Daly tapped home after Blindkilde’s low centre.
Durham looked to push forward late on but couldn’t find a way through – as the hosts gained maximum points.