Roberts is Durham’s Lion-tamer

EMILY Roberts’ header earned Durham a hard-fought 1-0 win at London City Lionesses to extend their unbeaten FA Women’s Championship campaign to 15 games.

The hosts gave as good as they got but ultimately fell to defeat with Danielle Brown’s fine firsthalf cross cushioned home by Roberts.

Hayley Nolan came closest for the Lionesses, her header having to be cleared off the line, as Durham moved three points clear of Leicester City at the top of the table.

Durham had the first opportunity in the 20th minute when Sarah Robson hit a driving shot towards goal from the edge of the area that was just deflected wide.

However, Lionesses’ striker Elizabeta Ejupi almost scored moments later when her dipping volley from the edge of the area went just over the bar.

The home side continued to attack and Kallie Balfour went close when she dribbled from the right wing and fired a left-footed shot just past the post.

Hpoever, Durham broke the deadlock shortly before half-time as Brown found space on the right wing and crossed to the far post where Roberts headed powerfully past Lionesses goalkeeper Shae Yanez.

The Lionesses began the second half with more urgency but were unable to break through Durham’s disciplined defence.

Atlanta Primus almost levelled in the 64th minute as she sprung Durham’s offside trap and controlled a long ball forward.

However, Durham goalkeeper Megan Borthwick made a lastditch interception to deny the Lionesses striker.

Durham nearly doubled their lead with 15 minutes leftwhen Bridget Galloway drove into the Lionesses’ area and hit a low shot which Hannah Short blocked.

Nolan then went close for the Lionesses as her header was cleared off the line after Durham had failed to clear a corner.

Durham defender Becky Salicki said: “We knew this was going to be a really hard place to come.

“London City are a good team and we have a lot of respect for them.

“We stuck to our game plan and I thought we played really well in the first half.”