Chester-le-Street's 6-6 draw at South Durham Royals was certainly in keeping with the old adage 'game of two halves' clich.

In this Womens Northern League Division One fixture, the Cestrians took a 4-1 lead at half time with goals from Laura Gibbon (2), Ashley Scott and Natalie Gutteridge with Royals' goal coming via a Tracey Swales penalty. What happened in the second half can only be put down to complacency and a brave comeback from South Durham. Laura Gibbon had completed her hat-trick giving Chester a 5-1 lead but then came the stunning fight-back.

Vicky Barnes made it 5-2 and then four straight goals from Tracey Swales, one of them a stunning free kick, gave the Royals a 6-5 lead. Vikki Ryder levelled for Chester-le-Street to save a point when really they should have taken all three. Chester-le-Street must now regroup as they face a stiff test at League leaders East Durham on Sunday (2pm).

Darlington Simply Lasses

At the start of the Tyne Tees Girls Youth League game between Darlington Simply Lasses and Marton both teams engaged in a fiercely fought battle which was very even and had a equal amount of attempts at goal. The first quarter ended with both teams unable to get a goal.

It was in the next quarter that Marton scored the first goal, shortly followed by another goal. Darlington fought back but were unable to get any goals in that quarter. Within the next quarter Darlington scored two goals, both by Bronwyn Doran within the goalmouth which made the match more intense as it was now a equal score going into the last quarter.

For the last quarter Marton scored another goal and Darlington seemed unable to clinch another goal until four minutes from full time. That goal was by the goalkeeper Nikita Cadman which was a goal kick that skimmed Martons goalkeeper head and landed in the goal. For the last few minutes of the game the Darlington defence was excellent and kept the full time score at a draw. Final score was Simply 3, Marton 3. Players of the match were Zoe Cooke (home) and Rebecca Robinson (away).

l Darlington Simply Lasses always welcome new players. Training is on Tuesdays at 6pm at Haughton School and Saturdays at 10am at Alderman Leach School. For further information contact Sue on (01325) 380485 or Ken on (01325) 259627