Durham Women vs Blackburn Rovers Women 16/02/25

Match Report

Durham 3 - 2 Blackburn Rovers

In a match filled with tension and thrilling moments, Beth Hepple’s 90+7’ minute goal allowed Durham to pick up all 3 points at Maiden Castle. The win for Durham pushes them up to third in the Women’s Championship, and puts them only 3 points behind the league leaders Birmingham. 

Durham started strong in the first half, with a chance coming for them in the second minute of the game. Despite their relentless attacking efforts, Durham struggled to find the back of the net throughout the first half.

Blackburn Rovers took advantage of Durham's missed opportunities, and were able to put one past Rylee Foster. An additional four minutes were added, and Blackburn could maintain their lead, and went into the break with a 1-0 lead over Durham.

The second half commenced, and Durham started the half with a bang. Within two minutes of the re-start, Kaila Novak was able to find the back of the net. With it now being 1-1, Durham were back in the game, and were starting to look dominant on the ball.

However, Blackburn responded swiftly, netting their second goal only eight minutes after Durham's equaliser, reclaiming their advantage. With 35 minutes left of the game, Durham needed to convert some of their shots into goals if they wanted to win the match.

Becky Salicki was able to level the playing fields, when she nestled the ball into the back of the net. This goal allowed Durham to be able to push on more, with Blackburn trying to just get a point out of the game. 

Durham made their first substitution in the 82nd minute. Carly Johns came on for Durham’s first goal scorer, Kaila Novak.

Durham entered 6 minutes of injury time, and it seemed like the game was destined for a draw. The score was still held at 2-2.

A 90+7’ minute stunning strike from Beth Hepple put Durham infront, after all of the initial injury time being played. This secured a dramatic victory for Durham.

As a result of Beth Hepple’s late winner, Durham were able to claim all of the points, and saw them climb the table. This was as a result of other fixture outcomes, and their big win at home. Maiden Castle witnessed a fantastic afternoon as Durham celebrated a crucial win on home turf.