Chester-le-Street: The Cestrians went into their match at Durham City already three points clear having recently won 4-1 the previous Thursday at Killingworth.

An early opportunity went begging as captain Vikki Ryder put a penalty over the crossbar but this was only a temporary setback, Natalie Gutteridge converted a Rachel Furness cross to open the scoring.

Durham equalised against the run of play and then went on to make further chances themselves, but Chester went in ahead at half time with Gutteridge on target again, this time following good work from Becky Teale.

Two quick goals at the start of the second half killed the game.

First was Natalie Gutteridge heading home Rachel Weightman's cross to complete her hat-trick, and then Rachel Furness scored goal number four hitting a 20-yard shot over the stranded keeper. She repeated the fate later in the game to make the final score 5-1 to Chester.

This week Chester first team entertained Wardley Eagles at Moor Park, 2pm.

Chester-le-Street reserves are at Marton (2pm), as always, all are welcome.

Women's Northern League Division One, Sunday's results: Durham City 1 Chester Le Street 5; Blyth Spartans 1 Saltburn Athletic 1; Darlington RA 0 South Durham Royals 1; Boldon 0 Killingworth 2; Carlisle Utd 5 Marton 5; Wardley Eagles 4 Crook Town 4.

Durham City

Durham City Ladies battled well against top of the table Chester-le-Street who ran out 5-1 winners.

Chester had the first chances in the game with a missed penalty and then a well-taken strike to take the lead. Durham then answered back with a Julie Campbell header to bring the scores level.

City then had a couple of chances to take the lead, the best of these fell to Gemma Charlton who was unlucky to see her shot just go the wrong side of the post.

On the stroke of half time Chester took the lead following a goal mouth scramble.

In the second half Chester le Street showed why they are top of the league as they extended their lead and killed off the game.

The match ended 5-1 to the visitors, but Durham played some decent stuff at times and were perhaps unlucky to be beaten by such a big score.