Rutherford Ladies v Darlington Spraire Ladies [Cup Final]

Today we travelled to Durham FA in this years Development League Cup Final against top of the table side Darlington Spraire Ladies.

Heading into todays game without our top goal scorer Scott was a huge blow. With over 50 goals this season so far Scott had to make the difficult decision to miss the end of this season and the Cup Final so she would be able to play the beginning of the following one.

Regardless of having Scott missing we still had a team full of talent who were certainly going to give the league champions a run for the Cup title.

From the kick of the game for around the first 18 minutes of play we absolutely dominated at our opponents and forced lots of errors. We were getting the ball down the left wing every time and crossing the ball in the box where unfortunately we struggled to convert. On the 20th minute of play Darlington won the ball from us in midfield and played it over the top of our defence. They had an extremely fast winger who beat our defence ending one of one with our keeper Brown, see dove to the floor to try to palm the ball out for a corner but just missed it and Darlington took the lead. The girls heads dropped as we had been the more attacking team and were extremely unlucky to of not netted ourselves.

The game now began to get a lot more competitive and a real battle between two strong sides was seen. There were chances from both sides seeing keepers from teams pull off some great saves to keep the score at 1-0.

Half time came and both sides took a well earned rest before heading out for the remaining 45 minutes. The game was just as competitive as the first half with chances at both ends. We switched off in the 60th minute of play and played a pacey Darlington player onside allowing her to score their second goal of the game. Some would say that this would seal the game for most teams but our girls reacted positively and really hunted for a return goal.

The end part of the game seen Darlington just looking to hold the 2-0 lead by sticking lots of players back which made it very difficult for us to convert our chances in the final third. The lasses worked their socks off winning numerous corners and an amazing save pulled off by the Darlington keeper to keep us out.

Time ran out for us but every single player could walk off that pitch with their heads held high as they played fantastic against a strong team who have already won the league seeing almost every result by them hit the double figure mark. We were unlucky to of conceded two goals from them and even more unluckier not to of scored but we left the field with a smile on our faces for give Darlington a very tough and physical game.

Well done Lasses.... If that's how we celebrate for loosing imagine how it would be if we won?!?! Maybe next year!!!