A few of the women’s leagues seem to be starting later than most men’s league, but the Durham Women’s League started today. I think it’s still a few weeks before the likes of the North East Regional Women’s League starts. With not too many games being played today, this was always going to be the game of choice. If Hartlepool United Women’s FA Cup clash had been at home, I’d have probably been there, but I didn’t fancy a trip up to Wallsend. Hebburn Involve were the away team today, but it’s fair to say whatever their result, it wouldn’t be the main talking point of football in Hebburn this weekend. I’m delighted to see an all Northern League FA Vase final. I doubt I’ll be there, but who knows. An all Northern League FA Vase final surely confirms that the Northern League is still the strongest league at its level in the country.

Match report:

Hebburn Involve Ladies kick off season with victory at East Durham Blue Belles

Hebburn Involve Ladies kicked off their 2020-2021 season with a 2-4 win at East Durham Blue Belles on Sunday afternoon.

Mackenzie Gibson scored all four of Hebburn’s goals, and in truth, she could have had 10.

Katie McCluskey and Demi Haggar both scored to get East Durham back into the game after Gibson’s hat-trick, but Gibson’s fourth in the second half ensured the visitors of the points.

With the first real chance, in the fifth minute, Hebburn took the lead. A good ball down the right wing released Gibson, and her pace saw her charge down on goal before finishing well.

Three minutes later, Gibson collected her and Hebburn’s second. A poor goalkick was latched upon by Hebburn, and a first time pass played Gibson in before her finish put Hebburn in firm control.

Hebburn captain Katie Scammell fired now far wide of the top corner in the 15th minute, before an East Durham free-kick was fired wide with their first chance.

Shortly after, in just the 16th minute, Gibson collected her hat-trick. Amy Richardson’s initial shot was saved, but Gibson was there to convert the rebound from close range.

Gibson went close once again when her difficult half volley bounced back off the crossbar with the ‘keeper beaten, before yet another big chance fell the way of Gibson but this time she fired wide.

As the first half wore on, East Durham were getting themselves into the game, and they pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute. McCluskey lifted a 35-yard free-kick into the area, and despite the Hebburn ‘keeper getting a hand on it, she was unable to keep it out.

Four minutes later, East Durham pulled another back. Megan Clark’s ball over the top gave Haggar a chase, and she latched onto it before lifting the ball over the ‘keeper from 20 yards and into the net.

Scammell had a couple of headers saved for Hebburn as the first half came to a close, while an ambitious looping East Durham effort was saved by Coyle in the Hebburn goal.

Following the break, East Durham had the ball in the net within 30 seconds of the restart, but it was ruled out for offside.

Richardson then fired wide after a defensive error from the hosts, before Gibson had three shots within a four minute spell all fail to find the target.

An East Durham free-kick was saved in the 57th minute as they looked for an equaliser.

Gibson had two more big chances for Hebburn 20 minutes into the second half, but she failed to find the target with both efforts.

Following a quiet spell, in the 73rd minute, a great touch from Gibson to bring down a high ball created another chance for her, but his time, her effort lacked power and was saved.

Richardson then had an effort saved for the visitors, before Gibson yet again had a chance come and go.

With 10 minutes to play, Gibson finally scored her and Hebburn’s fourth. Scammell’s great ball down the line released Gibson, and she kept her composure to pick out the far corner.

Hebburn Involve had a couple of further chances just after the goal, but nothing happened in the final five minutes, and it finished 2-4.

Full-time: East Durham Blue Belles 2-4 Hebburn Involve Ladies

Next up for me is a game on either Tuesday or Wednesday. I’ve not quite decided yet.

East Durham Blue Belles starting XI: Lesca, Broxson (c), McCluskey, Phillips, Harriman, Clerihew, Haggar, Hammond, Clark, Foster, Wildgoose

Hebburn Involve Ladies starting XI: Coyle, Wheeler, Musgrove, Ireland, Quigley, Lincoln, Scammell (c), Richardson, Byrne, Gibson, Baxter

Admission: Free

Programme: No

Attendance: 15

Referee: Stephanie Lyons

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