Lily Crosthwaite’s early second-half strike was the difference as Durham beat Birmingham City 1-0 at Maiden Castle.
The Wildcats held on to earn their third win of the season and maintain a perfect record at home.
Durham returned to Maiden Castle looking to put behind their defeat to Charlton Athletic at The Valley, as Birmingham looked to build on their unbeaten start to the season.
Adam Furness made two changes to the team that lost in south London, Kai Novak and Abby Holmes started.
Beth Hepple also featured as she made her 250th Wildcats appearance in her 11th season.
Durham started the game the stronger after a string of early chances for Lily Crosthwaite and Carly Johns.
A goal-line scramble in the 35th minute saw Durham inches away from taking the lead as Hannah Blake’s initial shot was saved and Holmes saw her follow-up cleared.
It only took Durham a minute after the restart to finally break the deadlock as Crosthwaite stole the ball in the midfield and drove to slot past Lucy Thomas in the Blues net.
Birmingham’s best chances of the match came from their eight corners – most of which in quick succession – but brave defending from substitute Grace Ayre kept the Blues at bay.
Thomas continued to be tested by Crosthwaite and co throughout the second half but the Lionesses shot-stopper kept the scoreline at just one.
The game became more physical as both sides showed grit to win the ball which ended in some unfortunate collisions.
New Zealand international Michaela Foster made her Durham debut in the 83rd minute replacing Molly Lambert who clashed with teammate Lauren Briggs.
Herron took a booking for denying a Crosthwaite break in the final of 12 minutes added time but the home side held on to secure the three points.
The win puts Durham second and above Birmingham.