Cup clash is quite a Chor for Lady Mags

NEWCASTLE United suffered a second home defeat of the season to Chorley - losing 2-1 after extra time in the League Cup’s first round.

Chorley, who triumphed 2-1 in the league three weeks ago, took a fourth-minute lead through Chloe Wild.

Wild’s powerful initial effort was blocked but the rebound kindly fell back to her and she smashed home.

The Lancastrians then had a great chance to double their lead on 23 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Grace Vella was brought down in the box.

However, Laura Walker saw her spot kick saved by Grace Donnelly and within a minute Newcastle were back on level terms.

Megan McKenzie netted from close range following a great run and cross from captain Brooke Cochrane.

Donnelly made two good saves in normal time as the game went to extra time.

Donnelly then produced another good stop - but was powerless eight minutes into the first period of extra time when a precise cross found Kerry Nickson, who headed past the goalkeeper.

Abbey Joice went close as Newcastle pressed for an equaliser, while Steph Ord had a free-kick well saved.

On Tuesday night the Lady Mags were back in league action and earned a 2-2 draw at Norton and Stockton Ancients.

Ord broke the deadlock after 27 minutes - but the lead lasted only five minutes as Nyci Thorns equalised.

Norton, who won 4-1 at Morecambe at the weekend, fell behind again when Ellen Turnbull netted five minutes after the restart.

This time the advantage lasted only three minutes as Maddy Atkinson quickly levelled the scores again.

The result took United up to fourth, three points off the leaders and a point ahead of Chester-leStreet Town - but they have played two more matches.

The Lady Mags are again in cup action on Sunday, hosting rivals Town for a place in the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup.

The Durham side aims to avenge its home league defeat against Newcastle earlier in the season.

■ SUNDERLAND were knocked off top spot in the National League Premier Division after losing 1-0 at Derby County.

Picture: IAN APPLEBY Dannika Purdham (No.10) watches as her effort loops over the goalkeeper into the net for the South Shields equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Tynedale in the North East Women’s League Premier Division.