Durham Women suffered defeat to Watford in their first home league game of 2024.
The Hornets took an early lead through Carly Johns and then extended their advantage after the break when Coral Haines struck.
And while the hosts had their chances – including a Lauren Briggs strike that came back off the woodwork – Watford saw out the game.
Claire Ditchburn made just one change from the side that drew at Lewes last weekend.
After her impressive cameo off the bench and key role in the leveller at the Dripping Pan, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle was handed a start.
Meanwhile, new signing Olivia Bramley took her place among the substitutes after putting pen to paper on a contract at Maide
Watford were ahead inside the opening two minutes – the lively Michelle Agyemang seizing possession and rounding Tatiana Saunders before squaring for Johns to tap home.
After that quick start to proceedings, the game settled into a more tame affair with chances few and far between.
But as the game progressed, Durham began to threaten more.
Mollie Lambert was played in by Becky Salicki and after her low cross was spilled by Safia Middleton-Patel, the visiting stopper did well to gather at the second attempt as Saoirse Noonan looked to convert.
Saunders then made a fine save to deny Agyemang’s powerful effort from range before Sarah Robson fired wide on the spin after a corner.
But Durham’s best chance of the half came in its final minute. After Eleanor Ryan-Doyle’s cross was only half-cleared, Briggs sent a swerving strike off the underside of the bar.
The hosts continued to ask questions after the interval with Dee Bradley fizzing a shot wide and Amy Andrews steering her header narrowly over.
It was Watford who scored next, though – Haines pinching possession and slotting into an empty net to double their advantage.
Durham continued to attempt to find a route back into the game, but Watford saw out the victory.
The result leaves Durham in mid-table on 18 points, while Watford move up to nine points.