Golden girls are downed by Durham in a disappointing defeat at Broadwater

Watford Ladies suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Durham Women in the FAWSL 2, in a match where both sides had a number of chances.
Action from Watford Ladies' clash with Durham. Picture (c) Andrew WallerAction from Watford Ladies' clash with Durham. Picture (c) Andrew Waller
Action from Watford Ladies' clash with Durham. Picture (c) Andrew Waller

Despite creating opportunities, especially in the first half, the Lady Hornets were unable to find a way past a stern Durham defence.

Beth Hepple, Jordan Atkinson and Jemma Purfield got the goals for the visitors who deservedly took all three points back to the North East.

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Durham took the lead after 26 minutes when Zoe Ness played the ball through to Hepple who found the bottom right hand corner from 20 yards out.

Watford responded well in the final 10 minutes of the half, and Megan Wynne lobbed the onrushing Danielle Hill, but a Durham defender got back to clear off the line.

Chloe Gunn almost levelled it after 39 minutes with a fine effort; she directed Wynne’s cross towards goal but Hill managed to get a hand to it.

Emma Beckett had the final chance of the first half, rising highest from a corner but could not direct her effort away from Hill.

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Despite a promising opening 15 minutes to the second half from Watford, Durham got the crucial second goal just after the hour mark through a moment of magic.

Atkinson tried her luck from 35 yards out and it was to prove a good decision as her fantastic effort looped into the top corner leaving, Lauren Davey with no chance.

Watford to their credit, responded well after the goal but were unable to create many clear cut opportunities at Hill’s goal.

Durham got their third in injury time when a mix-up at the back presented Purfield with an empty net to seal the victory for the Wildcats.

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Watford manager John Salomon said: “I was disappointed with the performance – we played well in patches and had a couple of good spells.

“The turning point was when we had a really good start to the second half and out of nowhere they’ve scored an absolute screamer that’s made it 2-0. That was a big blow for us.

“In any game you have to take your chances and we’re not at the moment, we’re struggling to score.”

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