North’s girls well beaten in derby decider
SCHOOLS FOOTBALL
NORTHUMBERLAND Under-16 Girls met Durham in the final of the Northern Counties’ Championship with high hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time – but found their opponents in uncompromising mood as they lost 3-1.
The bigger, stronger Durham girls dominated the first half and gave the home side little chance to dwell on the ball or string passes together.
The opening goal resulted from a free-kick fully 40 yards out which was struck directly at goal by Bethany White (Hebburn).
Despite finger-tipping the ball on to the woodwork, goalkeeper Rebecca Jamieson could only watch as Jael Anderson (Southmoor) followed up to nod it home.
A second goal from Sharna Wilkinson (Harton) followed and directly from the kick-off fatal hesitation allowed Jael Anderson to score into the empty net.
Northumberland came out fighting in the second half and gained far more possession – but it took some time before a hasty challenge by a Durham defender resulted in a penalty kick, confidently struck home by Katie Barker.
However, Durham played out the game without further alarms to gain a deserved victory and become Northern Counties’ champions.
Northumberland Under-16 Boys had exited their competition at the semi-final stage following a 6-0 loss to Lancashire.
Northumberland trailed 4-0 by half-time.
Despite this disappointment, however, they showed great character in the second half and competed much more effectively – but without ever looking like staging a comeback.
Northumberland’s glory hopes now rest with the Under-18 Boys who face Greater Manchester in a Northern Counties’ semi-final at Newcastle University’s Cochrane Park Sports Ground next Saturday. ■■MONDAY sees the second night of Newcastle City Cup Finals.
The Gosforth Academy versus Royal Grammar School under-19 final kicks off the night at 4.00 with the under-13 and under-15 deciders to follow shortly afterwards.
Wednesday is a bumper night with four finals up for decision.
The under-13 girls’ final is at 4.00 on the 3G pitch, followed by the under-15 girls’ showdown.
On the grass, St Cuthbert’s take on Gosforth in the under-16 decider and Gosforth also feature in the under-14 final against Newcastle School for Boys.
All the action takes place at the Longbenton Sports Ground belonging to Newcastle University.