Lady Mags’ start is far from Wanderful Cestrians on the Cup trail
NATIONAL WOMEN’S LG NORTHERN DIVISION ONE WOMEN’S FA CUP
NEWCASTLE United suffered an opening-day defeat as they went down 2-1 at Bolton Wanderers.
The hosts went in front after 20 minutes when Ruby Howard beat Grace Donnelly.
Bolton then went 2-0 up after the break when Kelly Halligan netted on her debut.
Bolton goalkeeper Deanne Tomkins was in impressive form, producing two good saves and later making a great double block from a free-kick.
However she was beaten when Steph Ord converted a penalty to halve the deficit - but the Lady Mags could not find an equaliser.
Chester-le-Street Town began the campaign in fine style as they triumphed 3-0 at Burnley.
All the goals came in a first half which they dominated, hitting the woodwork before taking the lead when Rachel Mellor converted a brilliant free-kick six minutes before the interval.
Kacie Elson struck two minutes later and the Cestrians went in 3-0 up when Nichole Havery netted.
In a comfortable second period for the Durham side, goalkeeper Robyn Parker made her first save ten minutes from time.
IT IS away days for all the region’s teams after the draw for the National League Cup was made.
Newcastle were drawn at Sheffield side Steel City, who play in the Midlands Division One.
Sunderland make the trip to Northern Division One side Morecambe while Chester-le-Street Town travel to Premier Division Guiseley and Norton and Stockton Ancients go to Derbyshire side Long Eaton United.
Matches will be played on Sunday, September 2. THE preliminary qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup takes place on Sunday with two North East Regional Women’s League Premier Division sides clashing as Durham Cestria host South Shields.
The winners will be at home to Alnwick Town in the first qualifying round the following Sunday.
Last season’s Northern Division runners-up Boro Rangers are away to Lumley from Durham League One.
The winners will travel to Cramlington United.
In other first-qualifying-round matches, Washington host Hartlepool United and Wallsend BCL visit Penrith on Sunday September 2.
The NERWFL teams not in the WFA Cup start their league season the same Sunday.