Zara Noble stars despite 8-1 home loss for Whitby Ladies

Whitby started the game with real intent with Neve Eddon grabbing the opening goal and briefly putting Durham Uni on the back foot. For a moment, it looked like an upset might be on the cards.

However, Durham quickly found their stride and showed their quality, responding with a dominant display. Their relentless attacking play proved too much for Whitby to handle, and by full-time the scoreline read 8-1 in Durham’s favour.

Despite the defeat, there were positives to take from Whitby’s performance, none more so than the tireless effort of Zara Noble, who was named player of the match for her determination and work-rate throughout the game.

It was a tough lesson for Whitby, but one the squad will look to build on as they regroup for the next fixture against Durham City.

Coming off the back of a solid win the previous weekend, Danby Ladies 1s were determined to keep up their good form against a strong North Shields side.

From the first whistle, Danby came out attacking, Chloe Orrell working hard down the left and creating some brilliant chances.

Shields, however, were quick to read the play, intercepting passes and breaking forward whenever they could. Luckily, keeper Catherine Adamson was in top form, pulling off some incredible saves as shots came flying in from all directions.

Despite her efforts, the opposition managed to sneak one in on the 27th minute to make it 1-0.

Down the right, Lily Harland and Millie Cook linked up beautifully, making some strong attacking runs and firing balls into the D, but Shields’ defence held firm. The first half ended with Danby trailing 1-0.

The second half saw more heroics from Adamson, who continued to impress with her sharp reactions.

Danby’s midfield worked tirelessly to get their short, quick passing game going, but the opposition were quick to close them down.

Christine Tarrant and Sarah Thompson combined well down the line, pushing the team forward, but Shields managed to grab a second goal in the 51st minute.

Kathryn Hogarth pressed hard through the middle, sending a great ball out wide to Plum Sweet, who drove it to the baseline and won Danby a long corner.

Despite their best efforts, the visitors couldn’t quite break through, and Shields added a third before the final whistle.

Player of the Match for Danby was Adamson, with some unbelievable saves throughout.

Danby 2s won 2-1 in their friendly against Northallerton 3s on the Whitby pitch.

From the first whistle, Danby looked sharp and organised, with Ellie Jackson Fishpool and Ellie Maud combining effectively down the left to create early attacking opportunities.

Their link-up play kept the pressure on Northallerton’s defence and set the tone for much of the first half.

The opening goal came from Chloe Walker, who showed great composure to slot home after some excellent build-up play through the middle with Brooke Heldt.

The duo’s connection proved key throughout the match, controlling the tempo and driving Danby forward.

Northallerton managed to equalise before half-time, but Danby came out strong after the break.

The decisive moment came when Walker struck again – this time converting a well-worked short corner to restore Danby’s lead.

At the back, Hettie Cook controlled the defence superbly from her central role, breaking up play and distributing the ball calmly under pressure.

Up front, Rosie Kevan and Eva Gallon combined with great energy, keeping the Northallerton defence on their toes.

It was particularly impressive given it was the first match for both Gallon and Emma Pearson, who slotted into the side seamlessly.

Gallon’s relentless work-rate and attacking intent earned her the Player of the Match award – a fantastic start to her Danby career.

Overall, it was a strong team performance full of promise for the season ahead, with Danby 2s showing excellent teamwork, determination, and skill to secure the win.