Match Preview: Durham (A).

As the Robins embark on their 560-mile round trip to Maiden Castle they will be hoping to return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic.

Sunday’s defeat at the Oakwood was only their second defeat in all competitions so far this season and with just two fixtures to go before the winter break, Lauren Smith’s side will be eager to rekindle their early-season form.

This weekend’s fixture against the Wildcats is City’s last in the league for the calendar year.

2022 has seen the Reds pick up maximum points in the league on 11 occasions, tasting defeat just five times and drawing three.

It’s tight at the top of the Championship table as London City Lionesses now sit in pole position on 20 points, the Robins are finely poised behind the league leaders on 19 points with a game in hand and the two sides yet to meet this season.

Southampton cannot be dismissed either just one points behind the Reds in third, so as ever, every point available will be crucial come the end of the season.

🆚 OUR OPPONENTS: Durham 

Formed: 2014
Stadium: Maiden Castle
Nickname: The Wildcats
Manager: Lee Sanders
Finish last season: 6^th

Durham have endured an indifferent first half of the season as varied form currently sees them sat 9^th in the league standings.

The Wildcats have won one of their last three league outings, which they did so in style against Coventry United as they hit five past the side languishing at the bottom of the table.

Prior to that, Durham were dealt a double-blow after a pair of home defeats at the hands of Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.

Their two recent defeats have been their only losses of the season at Maiden Castle.

⏮ MATCH REWIND

Result: Durham 0-3 Bristol City
When: 13.02.2022
Competition: Barclays Championship

A double from Abi Harrison and a late strike from Aggie Beever-Jones secured all three points for the Robins at Maiden Castle.

City opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Abi Harrison latched on to Melissa Johnson's perfectly weighted ball in behind the Durham defence, before lifting it over the keeper to hand the Robins an early advantage.

Minutes before half-time Harrison bagged her second as she smashed home from close range after Ella Powell delivered a pinpoint ball into the striker's feet from the right wing.After Durham squandered an array of chances in the second half, Aggie Beever-Jones wrapped up all three points for the Robins in the final moments of the 90. 

ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS:

When: Sunday, December 4^th (12pm)
Where: Maiden Castle
Competition: Barclays Championship

🚌 TRAVEL

For those coming travelling to Durham, exit the A1(M) at junction 61 and follow the signs for Durham. Continue straight along Durham Road (A177) until you see Maiden Castle on your right-hand side, just before entering the centre of Durham.

There is ample parking for supporters and those travelling by train, Maiden Castle is a 30 minute walk from the station which is served regularly by trains along the East Coast Mainline.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

🎟 TICKETS & STREAMING

For supporters travelling to County Durham tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £3 for Under-16s.

There will be no online stream available for Sunday’s fixture but supporters can tune into Durham Hospital Radio for live coverage of the action.