Durham Women saw their Continental Cup campaign come to an end away at Manchester United.
During a week which had already seen the Wildcats endure a long trip to Tottenham, Mollie Green’s first minute opener proved enough for the hosts.
But after that early blip, Durham more than matched their full-time hosts and could have claimed a point after a resolute and determined performance.
Lee Sanders made two changes to the side that beat Tottenham, with Lisa Robertson and Kathryn Hill coming in for Rachel Lee and the suspended Becky Salicki.
Meanwhile, Helen Alderson made a brief return from retirement to provide goalkeeping cover on the bench.
But the Wildcats suffered the worst possible start, with Green slotting home from close range after just 35 seconds following Jess Sigsworth’s surge into the area.
The visitors could have levelled moments later, however, with Nicki Gears flashing a shot just wide from the edge of the area.
Manchester United continue to push forward, and Megan Borthwick twice had to deny Lauren James from range – first tipping an effort onto the bar before then parrying an effort wide.
Sigsworth then sent a header straight at Borthwick as the Red Devils struggled to break down a resolute Durham backline.
And the game followed a similar pattern after the interval, with Durham’s fine defensive work restricting United to hopeful shots from distance which failed to seriously trouble Borthwick.
Charlie Devlin came closest to doubling the lead – skewing wide from 18 yards – as the Wildcats failed to find a way back into the game.
The pair now prepare to meet again in the FA Women’s Championship this Sunday.