Rutherford Ladies v Darlington Spraire Ladies

Today we faced our toughest test of the season at home to top of the league team Darlington Spraire Ladies. After being beat twice in the league as well as the cup final by our opponents last season we went into todays game as complete underdogs.

The match started well for us seeing us panic our opponents from the ur first touch of the ball. We got straight at them from the beginning and this caused some bickering between themselves and a lot of panick forcing them to make mistakes. We took advantage of this and managed to take the lead after just three minutes play. It was Fairbairn that gave us that first and crucial goal winning the ball and striking it first time completely lobbing the Darlington keeper. This goal gave us a huge boost showing that we weren't push overs and were matching if not better than this top side.

We scored another three tremendous goals in the 12th, 15th and 17th minute of the game seeing Wilson score a cracking overhead kick finish, Stubbs tap in the ball after a scuffle in the box and Andrews bust a gutt to make sure she got their after Wilsons initial shot hitting the post. The girls were on fire and Darlington didn't know what to do with themselves. They were in disbelief.

Unfortunately in the 25th minute of the game Worrall entered a tackle where she fell onto her knee and screamed out in what can only be described as a back tingling screach. It was clear from this sound that she has seriously hurt herself yet our opponents and todays match official played on. Finally the ball went out of play and we mamaged to move Worrall from the field of play where she was taken to hospital. From this the game took a dramatic turn for the worse.

Due to a few controversial decisions by the match official Darlington were allowed to score four goals in the remaining half. Stubbs headed in a tremendous goal from a corner ball which took us into the half time break with a 5-4 scoreline. Absolutely guttering for the home side who worked their socks off to take such a great lead and felt cheated by the half time scoreline.

The second half was a shambles seeing the home team get nothing, scared to tackle with bookings and free kicks being awarded against us. The contraversial decisions made certainly impacted the game, the performance and undoubtedly the final score. Darlington took the 3 points with two goals in the second half.

The girls left the pitch completely deflated knowing they did not deserve to loose the game. However they will dust themselves down and make sure this is rectified for the return game in three weeks time.

Player of the match today was awarded to Wilson for her excellent work rate from the first to final whistle seeing her work like a trouper for the entire time.

Well done girls, massive positives to take from the game and certainly proving you are no push overs and just as good as todays opponents.