Sunderland West End Ladies 3 Darlington Women 0

Our Women's team suffered only their second defeat of the season when they were beaten 3-0 at Sunderland West End in the Durham FA Women's Cup on Sunday.

There were plenty of positives in defeat, as Quakers went out against a team that plays two levels higher in the league system -- just like Farsley Celtic, who beat them in the Women's FA Cup earlier in the season.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; "They have some decent players, but I thought we more than matched them. We kept our shape well in the first half, and worked hard.

"We went a goal down before half time, and didn't deserve to be behind.

"In the second half, their physicality was too much for us. In reality, neither team could play much football because of the heavy pitch, which had been used for another game earlier in the day."

Here's the match report from Chris Barrett

The day started with both teams paying their respects to former Darlington football player Osagi Bascome with a one minute silence before the game.

The game was played on a heavy pitch and with players missing for both teams, it was going to be a difficult task playing any free flowing passing football. The first opportunity of the game went to Sunderland who won a free kick just outside the box and although it was well struck, it was pushed away by Martina Cuccunato.

It was a constant battle in the middle of the park to try and dominate the ball and it was difficult for both teams. Sunderland were constantly trying to break the offside trap but Darlington kept a good line and limited any chances. The first goal came after 22 minutes when Sunderland broke down the right and the ball was whipped across the goal, the ball couldn’t be turned away and the Sunderland attacker controlled the ball and fired back across goal to take the lead.

Sunderland continued to attack but Darlington maintained the offside trap well limiting any further chances. Darlington also had limited chances in the first half with an effort from Sophie Curle being blocked and late in the half Olivia Whitworth broke through on the left but poked the ball just wide.

The second half was played in a similar fashion to the first and again Sunderland got the first chance with another free kick on the edge of the area but this time it was put wide of the goal. Darlington responded with a chance of their own with a ball from Hattie Raine played to Curle who fired just over the crossbar, agonisingly close to the equaliser.

After 61 minutes, Sunderland doubled the lead when the Sunderland winger dribbled in from the right and clipped a ball through the middle for the Sunderland striker to slot the ball into the bottom left corner.

Not long after, Sunderland added another when a ball was played through the middle and the ball was again placed low past the keeper.

The game became a more feisty affair and there was concern when a Sunderland player ploughed recklessly through the back of Emma Carter resulting in her needing to be taken off due to her injuries.

Darlington battled on but could not make any clear chances and the game finished at 3-0.

Although Sunderland are two leagues above it was a game Darlington could have fared better in after a good first half. Going into next year they will be looking to get back their creativity and continue adding more goals to push up the league.

We hope you all have a great Christmas and will be back to join us in the new year.

Player of the match: Martina Cuccunato 

STARTING XI

Cuccunato, Padurariu , Wearmouth, Peart, Carter, Garnett, Upton (c) ,Whitworth, Doudican, Raine ,Curle 

Substitutes: Frew, Tinkler 

We’d like to thank the following kit sponsors:

Hattie Raine (sponsored by Krystal Sells), Emma Carter (The Cheese and Wine Shop), Emma Doudican (Winroths Hairdressers), Sarah Frew (Chic Beauty Academy), Martina Cuccunato (Premier 1 Filtration), Caisey Lee (Engage to Learn), Olivia Whitworth (Terry Farley MBE), Sophie Curle (Franks Carpets), Natalie Peart (RA Dalton Ltd), Toni Upton (Dawn Fire Safety), Alice Wearmouth (Direct Flooring), Chloe Bright (Jordan Hanratty Personal Training),  Chloe Tinkler (Glen and Mary Bowes), Millie Garnett (eco Hair Salon), Aimee Dagnall (Andrew Scullion), Gabrielle Padurianu (John Vickerman).