Darlington Women suffered a blow to their promotion hopes when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Gateshead Leam Lane on Sunday.

Quakers missed some good chances to win the game, but they lacked their usual cutting edge in front of goal.

Manager Shaun MacKenzie said; “It is a tough one to take, it was one of those days where you come off the pitch and it feels like a loss, rather than a point gained. We did everything we could to win the game but just couldn’t get that vitally important second goal. We can only blame ourselves for missed chances and we know if you don’t take your opportunities in this league you will get punished.

“I thought we controlled the game and deserved the three points, but that’s football. Credit to Leam for staying in it and getting something from the game. What we can’t do now is sulk and feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and go again. We have three league games left and we need to pick up maximum points. Next up we’ve got the game at Blackwell to look forward to and we’ve also got a league cup quarter final to prepare for. We’ve got to stay together and keep going till there’s nothing left to play for.” 

Here's the match report from Chris Barrett

The first attack of the game came from Darlington with Sara Waites cutting in from the left hand side and striking just over the top right hand corner.

Leam came straight back breaking down the right cutting the ball in but the strike was just over the bar. There were some more efforts for Darlington with Waites and Chloe Ryan coming close.

After seventeen minutes Leam played a low ball through the middle for the striker to latch on to but the ball was met bravely by Evie Whitaker to claim it. Minutes later Darlington had the ball in the net but Chloe Ryan was adjudged to be offside after a quick one two with Hattie Raine.

After 24 minutes a short goal kick was picked up by Hattie Raine who beat a player and floated a shot over the keeper to give Darlington the lead. Darlington had more chances in the first half with Waites and Raine both coming close.

Leam also had chances with a free kick being struck with pace into the box but it was well claimed by Whitaker.

Leam started the second half strong and from the right a throw in was not dealt with allowing a loose ball to be played in across the six yard line with the ball flicked towards goal but it was well saved low down by Whitaker. Darlington continued to press and create chances but couldn’t convert with Chloe Ryan coming closest being played down the left and rounding the keeper but the shot came back out of the post and cleared.

After 83 minutes it was disaster for Darlington when the Leam striker broke the defensive line to run at Whitaker who stood strong blocking the run forcing the attacker away from goal but a defensive mix up led to a clash and the ball broke to the striker who finished into the empty net.

Darlington had late chances with Katie Sheridan pulling a shot wide after a pull back from Ryan and Raine broke through to go one on one with the keeper who stood up and managed to divert the shot away.

Darlington were pushing to the end but were unable to make the breakthrough and the game ended in a draw.

Darlington were punished for a lack of clinical finishing and were disappointed coming away with a draw after a strong battling performance. Player of the match was awarded to Millie Soderman who was calm and composed at the heart of the defence and constantly looking to drive out with the ball out from the back.