First league game for Wear United FC Ladies since the lifting of lockdown restrictions was away to East Durham Blue Belles and ended in 2-2 draw, Wear United scoring late on to secure a point.
On a very dry and hard pitch and in cold temperatures, with frequent snow flurries, the game started with East Durham. Game started slowly with players struggling with the pitch. On 7 mins free kick awarded to Wear in range of goal, but Alisha Prest’s effort never troubled the East Durham keeper.
In a 7-minute spell Wear were forced into three early substitutions, Kimberley with issues with blisters and Alexis Prest turning her ankle and needing treatment. Last change was for Sophie Fowdy falling badly on her ankle and requiring medical assistance, hopefully it will not be too serious.
The interruptions in the game did not help the game flow, with neither team creating any chances of note. On 37 minutes Wear broke the deadlock with a great long-range effort from Rachael Cook, who fired the ball from 20+ yards over the East Durham keeper from the centre of the pitch after a pass from Alisha.
With the half looking to finish with Wear ahead, East Durham forced a corner and from a great delivery equalised with a great header from six yards outs centre of goal. Then well into injury time, East Durham managed to steal the ball deep in United’s half and put in a hopeful cross which then ended up in the net via an attempted clearance by Naomi Atkinson. Half ended 2-1 to East Durham.
Wear United started the 2nd half brightly and went close with an Alexis Prest free kick. Wear now started to take control and were on the front foot looking for the equaliser. Alisha Prest had an effort from distance but never threatened the goal. On a rare attack from East Durham on 58 minutes Lauren Howard pulled out a fingertip save, to prevent a shot which looked like it was destined to find the top right corner, to push the ball onto the bar.
Wear United kept the pressure on, which resulted in a great chance on 72mins. Rachel Young broke down the right and fired in a great cross to find Tina Adamson at the back post. The ball would not drop kindly for her and broke to Rachael Cook who off balance unfortunately shot wide.
Three minutes later Wear United were back on level terms, with a great move originating from a great ball from Rachael Cook to Gemma Fisher who fired in a low cross to find Tina who finished well to make it 2-2. Hopefully many more goals for Tina on her return to the team.
On 78 minutes Wear broke into the East Durham box and after some nice inter play the ball was in the net only to ruled out for a soft freekick in the build-up.
Both teams looked for the winner, but the final ball never found the right person or was over hit. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but a much improved second half from Wear United.
Next weeks game away to Chester-le-Street Waldridge, hopefully a chance to get back to winning ways.
Starting line up - 3-5-2
GK – Lauren Howard
Defence – Julie Fisher – Alexis Prest – Amy Maxwell
Midfield – Rachel Young – Sophie Fowdy – Alisha Prest – Rachael Cook – Kirsty Pickering
Forward – Gemma Fisher – Kimberley Dodds
Subs – Megan Anderson – Billie Ruddock – Naomi Atkinson – Anna Forester – Tina Adamson