I noticed Middlesbrough’s pre-season schedule a few weeks back. They’d arranged a few interesting friendlies and it was last night that I remembered that they were playing a game today. I had a look and found out that it was away to Hartlepool and that didn’t really stand out to me. But, when I found out that it was being played at Horden, I decided to have a look down. I watched these two sides meet each other last season in the FA Cup and despite a good show from Hartlepool, Middlesbrough ran out narrow 1-0 winners. Towards the back end of last season, I saw Middlesbrough lose to an impressive Dallas Baptist University outfit and that game highlighted the difference in the women’s game over here compared to in America. It is constantly improving in the United Kingdom as shown by the England national team but at a domestic level, we still have quite some way to go to catch up with America for me.

Match report:

Middlesbrough hit Hartlepool Women for nine in pre-season friendly

Middlesbrough Women cruised to a convincing 9-0 win over Hartlepool United Women at Horden Welfare Park on Sunday afternoon.

Bianca Owens bagged four goals, while Emily Scarr also collected a hat-trick with Leonie Hutchinson and an own goal completing the scoring.

It took Middlesbrough just 90 seconds to open the scoring. Owens collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful effort which the Hartlepool ‘keeper could do nothing about.

In the eighth minute, Owens almost turned provider as her through ball played Eve Gaitens in but her effort was well saved.

A quiet period followed with Middlesbrough edging the game but without creating any real chances.

In the 26th minute, Hartlepool almost pulled level when Caitlin Bates found room to shoot but her effort clipped the crossbar on its way over.

Hartlepool would be made to rue on missed chances as Middlesbrough doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Holly Manders’ good work played Scarr in and she rounded the ‘keeper before slotting home.

And, a third came only two minutes later. Owens’ perfectly timed run saw her latch onto Rebekah Bass’ through ball to slot home.

A fourth almost followed a further two minutes later. Manders was once again the engineer as her through ball gave Scarr a chance but her effort whistled narrowly over the crossbar.

Hutchinson found Scarr late on in the first half and Scarr attempted to lob the Hartlepool goalkeeper but her effort dropped wide of the post.

Middlesbrough went into the break with a three goal lead but it could have been more.

The Boro started the second half as they finished the first. Only two minutes in, Laura Wareham’s throw found Scarr and she dribbled all the way to the edge of the penalty area but her eventual shot was saved.

An injury to a Hartlepool player disrupted the game, but Middlesbrough were soon into their rhythm once the game resumed.

On the hour mark, Gaitens cut in before her effort was saved and it was only six minutes later than Middlesbrough made it four. Scarr took aim from the edge of the penalty area and her effort hit the inside of the post before trickling over the line.

A fifth followed 18 minutes from time. Scarr’s trickery saw her beat numerous defenders before a confident drive beat the ‘keeper and ensured her hat-trick.

And, Owens completed her hat-trick only three minutes after Scarr had achieved the feat. A sharp move from the Premier League outfit resulted with Hutchinson’s original effort being fumbled and Owens was quickest to react to stab home from close-range.

Now in cruise control, Middlesbrough were scoring more or less every five minutes. With 10 minutes still to play, Hutchinson deservedly carved her name into the scoresheet. A through ball played her in and she had plenty of time to pick out the bottom corner.

The eighth came when Scarr’s cross was turned into the net by a Hartlepool defender but Hartlepool’s goalkeeper did well to keep it at only eight moments later. A mix up in communication played Gaitens in, but the goalkeeper pulled off a fine double save to prevent Gaitens and then Scarr.

A ninth did eventually follow. A sharp one-two played Owens in and she finished with confidence to finish the scoring.

There was still time for a couple of further half chances for Middlesbrough but they were content with a 9-0 win.

Full-time: Hartlepool United Women 0-9 Middlesbrough Women

Next up for me is Horden CW vs Crook Town on Tuesday night.

Admission: Free

Programme: No

Attendance: 57