‘We’ve got a big week ahead’ – Smith.

A first-half goal from Liz Ejupi and a late penalty from skipper Beth Hepple saw Durham return to the North East with all three points from the Robins High Performance Centre.

“We’ve come back in other situations like this, but today we haven’t,” said Smith.

“It’s going to take a big week, an important week for us to make sure that we come back next weekend and put this right.

“The players know exactly what we need to do better and that’s the frustrating part of it, which you’ll feel from the players as well – the game just slipped away from us today.”

City Women are back in action at the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday, October 3^rd (3pm KO) for the visit of Sunderland Ladies.

Tickets remain on sale and supporters are encouraged to take advantage of advanced ticket prices.