Darlington RA Ladies

Darlington RA were at home against Glendale in the last game of the season knowing they needed to by five clear goals to be crowned league champions.

The game started with Darlington pressing with some early pressure and took the lead with ten minutes gone through Natalie Wrangham who took on two defenders and slotted past the keeper.

A second Darlington goal came just before the half-time whistle when Wrangham making a run down the left and cutting inside and although her shot was saved by the keeper, Sarah Waite was on hand to fire home the re-bound.

The second half began with Darlington knowing there was a job to do, they needed to improve on their first half of the performance.

They got their third goal in the 55th minute when Emma McIntosh played a through ball to Lisa Thompson on the edge of the 18-yard box, she took a touch a slotted right side of the keeper.

Darlington then controlled the game and pushed for more, a fourth coming when a Thompson free-kick was spilled by the keeper and McIntosh was there to finish off.

With Glendale trying to play some attacking football, Darlington stood strong and defended well as it was vital to keep a clean sheet, and the vital fifth goal came through Thompson.

A short corner was played back to Lisa who shot first time with the ball flying into the far top corner.

A sixth for Darlington came when Louise Leach made a great run.

She peeled off the Glendale defence and Leach and the Glendale keeper were both running for the ball, but Leach got their first and tipped it over the Glendale keeper, Wrangham ran on and slotted the ball into an empty net.

A seventh and final Darlington goal came when Julie Hill crossed towards the Glendale box, Louise Leach flicked the ball onto Wrangham who took a touch and volleyed home past the Glendale keeper.

This was a fantastic team performance and a great way to end the season.

Darlington were crowned champions after the final whistle and are now promoted into the Northern Premier.

Player of the match was Natalie Wrangham.