league

Boro Ladies travelled to Tranmere facing a tough challenge from opponents from a higher league, in this FA Cup tie, After last week's postponement, it meant Boro's last competitive game was 4 weeks ago. But despite this lengthy lay-off, they started superbly, taking the game to Tranmere from the whistle, and could have taken the lead in the 5th minute when Nicky Duckling sped through - but Tranmere's keeper just managed to stick out a foot to prevent an early Boro goal! However, this didnt deter Boro in any way and they played some fine football, as well as being strong in the challenge, and marking tightly. They got their reward in the 28th minute when Steph Turnbull charged down an attempted clearance 35yds out, played a through-ball to DUCKLING who scored superbly past a stranded keeper. 0-1. Within a minute Boro doubled their lead when Jess Close intercepted the ball, again about 35yds out, but the opposite side of the pitch - and she also played a great ball through to Duckling, who cleverly switched her pass into the path of the impressive SARAH MANNING, who buried her shot at the 2nd attempt, to make it 0-2. Tranmere were visibly shaken and began to panic every time Duckling got the ball - which led to some really hefty challenges on her - but fortunately she was too fast for any to seriously hurt her. Boro continued to dominate the 1st half, and looked close to scoring again just before the interval - but were saved by the referee's whistle. HT 0-2

The 2nd half saw Boro start pretty slowly, and Tranmere got more possesssion, but mainly in midfield and wide areas. In the 65th minute they came close with a 20yd shot, which Boro keeper Ami Bullen did really well to hold. At the other end Duckling was getting some heavy tackles, and both of Tranmere's central defenders got booked - with at least one of them being very lucky not to get sent off. Boro went close again with Duckling, Turnbull and Close - but at the other end Tranmere also started to put some pressure on and Ami Bullen made a great save in the 72nd minute to keep them at bay. Boro made some substitutions in 75th minute with Sam Reekie and Leanne Hauxwell coming on, then minutes later the injured Close was replaced by Stephenson - who nearly scored with her 1st touch! Then in the 83rd minute Tranmere scored to make it 1-2 and gave themselves a massive lift, putting pressure on Boro. With all the subs having been used Boro then had to cope with Kate Foster struggling - but once again the brilliance of DUCKLING came to the fore and she raced past 2 defenders in the 90th minute to score superbly past a despairing keeper. 1-3.

Overall, a great result for Boro! Some excellent performances from several players, and a brilliant team display - giving us all an early Christmas present!.......Now they are in the last 32 of the cup, and travel once again in the next round on Sunday 4 January to Leicester City LFC.

This also takes Boro's winning streak to 9 games - in fact, they havent been beaten since the opening game of the season. (The only drawback is that they are now behind on league games because of their various cup games). It s also another 2 goals to add to the impressive goals tally for Nicky Duckling so far this season.-

Nicky Duckling sent Middlesbrough Ladies into the third round of the Women’s F.A. Cup as she fired a hat trick against a resilient Darlington RA who had threatened with a second-half comeback.

On a cold day with much of the surrounding area covered in frost Boro looked to have thrown away all their good first half-work as two goals in three minutes brought the visitors back level, only for Duckling to break clear and score the winner.

The first-half was controlled by Boro who created many chances as Darlington failed to get going.

The first came just two minutes in as Duckling latched onto a long ball forward and forced the save from Nikita Cadman.

Darlington looked hesitant at the back and were nearly punished fifteen minutes later as Duckling just failed to punish a mix-up between Cadman and Lisa Thompson.

Cadman then kept Duckling out for the second time moments after as she rushed out to deny the forward.

Steph Turnball collected the loose ball after Kate Fosters strong challenge and crossed into Duckling who was on hand to smash the ball past Cadman.

The expected fight back from Darlington never materialised as Boro then extended their lead.

Sally Mullin played a long ball over the top to Duckling who raced onto the pass and finished well as Darlington looked for an offside flag which wasn’t there.

Boro’s dominance was reflected in the score line and they could have scored another just before the break as Mullin struck a free kick that took a deflection and went agonisingly wide of the post.

Darlington looked a completely different side after the break and attacked from the off with Emma McIntosh having two long distance efforts on goal.

The game was being stretched as the next goal would be crucial in an entertaining opening to the second period.

Darlington should have scored on 61 minutes as the impressive Natalie Wrangham ran down the left wing and played an inviting ball across goal for McIntosh who just couldn’t get the sufficient contact needed to put the ball home.

Darlington were coming back into the match and it was no surprise that they pulled one back thanks to an own-goal following good work from Wrangham.

She made a superb run down the left-wing and slid it across the six yard box and as a ruck of bodies went for the ball the last touch seemed as if it came off a Middlesbrough player.

Darlington suddenly had a sense of belief that they could win the game and scored again two minutes later.

The ball was not cleared properly from a corner and fell invitingly for Clare Armstrong who struck it beautifully on the volley from the edge of the area past the helpless Ami Pullen.

The home side looked shell-shocked as Darlington poured forward looking for a winner.

Duckling had other ideas as she ran onto another long ball over the top and completed her hat trick with an accomplished finish which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the away side.

Boro kept going forward and hit a post late on with a 25 yard free kick with Cadman beaten, as Darlington resorted to pumping long-balls into the Middlesbrough box.

The fulltime whistle finally went after seven minutes of added time with the score fairly reflecting the game as Boro just shaded it.

Match report Sunday 16 November MFC Ladies 7 v 0 Thirsk LFC N.Riding County FA Cup

MFC Ladies went into this quarter-final of NRCFA Cup against Thirsk Ladies - on the back of 7 straight wins, in which they have scored 42 goals and only conceded 2. And this game proved to be another victory, with no goals conceded yet again. They opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a fine strike from BETH McGHEE. 1-0. Just 2 mins later, KATE FOSTER made it 2-0, with a great shot from 25yds out. Then in the 20th minute, the ever-dangerous NICKY DUCKLING made it 3-0, when she split Thirsk's defence open with a great run and finish.3-0. Although Boro never allowed Thirsk to create any scoring opportunities, they did manage to squander a hatful of chances throughout the 1st half. HT 3-0

In the 2nd half Thirsk showed a lot of committment and competitiveness, closing down Boro as soon as they received the ball. But even so, it only took 5mins for them to go 4-0 ahead with SARAH MANNING scoring. Then in the 62nd minute, it was 5-0 to Boro with another fine effort from DUCKLING. More chances were wasted by Boro players - sometimes when it seemed harder to miss than to score....! Then in the 73m BETH McGHEE notched her 2nd goal, followed in the 84th minute by DUCKLING - who saved her best till last. Final score 7-0.

Boro Reserves also progressed into the semi final winning in a penalty shoot out against Teesside Athletic Ladies, With boro 3 -1 down with only 8 minutes left (goal from Gemma Gibson), it looked hard for them to get back until goals from Lynsey Stephenson and Becky Stephenson saw the game go into extra time then into a penalty shoot out with boro reserves finally winning 6-5, the winning goal from Gemma Gibson.

Next week Boro face a big challenge, when they face local rivals Darlington RA, in the Women's FA Cup. The game will take place at Billingham Synthonia FC, Central Avenue, Billingham, kick off time 1pm. Come along and show your support! (there is no charge ).

*We are STILL trying to find a sponsor(s) for this season - so anyone interested, please get in touch!

Marrie. (07854 293090)

** Also anyone interested in joining our club, please call Marrie.

A great result for Middlesbrough Ladies away at Stockport

Stockport County 0, Middlesbrough 8. Report to follow

Resereves went down 2-1 away to Teesside Athletic Ladies.

Match report Sunday 26 October MFC Ladies 6 v 0 West Auckland LFC

MFC Ladies returned to league action against local rivals W.Auckland, and after a sluggish first half, managed to get their game together after the break, and ran out 6-0 winners. W.Auckland started off very strongly, competing well for every ball, and making Boro work hard. After 15mins Nicky Duckling struck a great shot into the net, but it was ruled offside. Boro couldn't seem to lift their game and it wasn't until just before half-time that they took a 1-0 lead. A long through-ball from Sally Mullen slipped through W.Auckland keepers hands, and fell straight to BECKY HANRATTY, who tapped the ball into the net from 8yds out. HT 1-0

Boro livened up in the 2nd half, hitting 5 more goals. STEPH TURNBULL, BECKY HANRATTY, BETH McGHEE, AMY LAVILLE (penalty) and KATE FOSTER all added to the score, to keep Boro's winning streak going, making it 5 wins in a row

Next week Boro travel to Manchester to play Stockport in a league game.

Reserves 1 Lumley Ladies 5. Sarah Patterson grabbed a late goal for boro reserves

Boro Ladies travelled to York to play this preliminary round of the NRCFA Ladies Cup (of which they are the current holders). They scored 5 goals in each half, but plucky York kept on trying to score right up till the dying seconds of this game!

Boro's scorers were: Sarah Manning 2 Nyci Thorns 3 Steph Turnbull 2 Jess Close 2 Amy Laville 1. This result puts Boro through to the next round, where they are drawn at home, to Thirsk Ladies FC. Nici Thorns is now unavaible untill she sorts out the problems with her transfer to Boro from Darlington RA.

MFC LADIES 6 v 0 PETERLEE LFC

MFC Ladies recorded a resounding victory over local rivals Peterlee LFC at Billingham Synthonia yesterday. Although Boro's game at Blackpool last week had been cancelled due to bad weather - they kept their form and determination, to make it 3 league wins in a row.

Peterlee actually started quite well, with close marking and strong challenges making it difficult for Boro. But after 16 mins Boro opened the scoring when NICKY DUCKLING slid the ball past the goalkeeper, after a good passing move by Boro. 1-0. More chances came, but Boro could not get them on target, and it wasnt until the 34th minute that they increased their lead, when SARAH MANNING scored with a header, from a well-worked corner. 2-0. Peterlee then lifted their game, but their hard-working forwards were unable to get past a resolute Boro defence. They went close with a header from a corner in the 38th minute, but apart from that, they didn't trouble Boro's keeper at all. HT 2-0

In the 2nd half, Boro lifted their game and kept Peterlee under pressure with some fine forward play - with Duckling and Turnbull opening up their defence constantly. In the 58th minute a great run by Clare Helm created another chance for DUCKLING, who gleefully scored from 10yds out, 3-0. In the 66th minute, DUCKLING completed a hat-trick when she pounced on a mistake by Peterlee's keeper, to make it 4-0. Boro then made 3 substitutions, with Jess Close, Abbey Lyle and Leanne Hawxwell all coming on - and within minutes Close was put through with only the keeper to beat, but her shot just went wide. In the 79th minute Close went past 2 defenders and into the penalty area, but lost her balance as she was about to shoot - but still managed to push the ball to DUCKLING, who scored her 4th and Boro's 5th goal. Finally in the 85th minute JESS CLOSE got her reward - when she coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 6-0.

Next week Boro (the cup holders) travel to play York City Reserves in a N.Riding County Cup game.

No game for the reserves

Reserves game was Postponed at the last minute due to East Durham unable to field a team.

The first team's game was called at the last minute due to water on Blackpool's Pitch.

MFC Ladies 3 v 2 Morley Spurs LFC

Boro ladies notched up another win in their quest to compete for promotion to the Women's Premier League Northern Division. They got off to a flying start in the 6th minute when Nicky Duckling beat 2 defenders, but her shot was pushed out by the keeper. Fortunately for Boro, Beth McGhee followed up and slotted the rebound home from 6yds out. 1-0. For the next 10 mins Boro ran riot, with Duckling totally outpacing the Morley defence - but time after time, the keeper managed to save any shots that came her way. Then in the 22nd minute, Boro lost possession just outside Morley's penalty area - and 2 quick passes resulted in their equaliser. 1-1. But Boro bounced straight back in the 24th minute when Becky Hanratty finished superbly, after an impressive move involving Manning and Laville.2-1. Boro continued to press for further goals, but Morley defended well - and were gifted an equaliser in the 36th minute. A long ball forward seemed harmless enough, but as keeper Ami Bullen ran out to clear the ball just outside her penalty area, she mis-kicked, and the ball fell straight to a Morley forward, who coolly scored past the stranded keeper. 2-2. Morley started to pressure Boro now, and came close with several shots - including one just before half time which was brilliantly tipped over by Bullen. HT 2-2.

The 2nd half started well for Morley, with Boro taking ages to get their game together, but in the 63rd minute Sarah Manning turned quickly on the edge of the penalty box, and her well-hit shot flew past the keeper into the net. 3-2. Although Morley tried to get yet another equaliser, Boro carved out numerous scoring opportunities - but every one of them were hit directly towards the keeper, or missed the target altogether. Final score 3-2.

Unfortunately for Boro, young Beth McGhee picked up a foot injury which required a visit to hospital - so she is very doubtful to be available for this weekend's coming game at Bleckpool. Also, Helena Kidd has ankle ligament damage and could be out for 3-4 weeks..........

This week MFC Ladies travel to Blackpool to play Blackpool Wren LFC.

Boro Reserves had a poor second half going down 4-0 against Durham City at home.

MFC Ladies turned on the style at the weekend with a dazzling display against Scunthorpe. With Boro at just about full-strength, they got off to a flying start when a fine through ball from skipper Amy Laville released NICKY DUCKLING who powered down on the keeper, beating her with a finely placed shot after just 43 seconds. 1-0. Although Boro had not played for 2 weeks (bad weather), they had not lost any of their sharpness and immediately put Scunthorpe under great pressure, with several players going close with goal-bound efforts. The 2nd goal came in the 14th minute with a great move involving 3 players, with Jess Close finally sliding the ball into the path of BETH McGHEE, who hammered a shot from 20yds out, into the top of the net, to score her 1st league goal for MFC Ladies. 2-0. Just 4 mins later Boro went further ahead when McGhee played the ball into the path of DUCKLING, who chipped the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 3-0. More chances came Boro's way, and in the 39th minute DUCKLING scored again to complete a hat-trick, and take the score to 4-0.

Boro didn't start the 2nd half very well - they took a long time to settle into the easy, passing game they played before half time - and it wasn't until the 78th minute that they scored their 5th (and her 4th) goal of the game when DUCKLING again raced onto a Manning pass and rounded the keeper to slot the ball into the net. In the 86th minute skipper AMY LAVILLE broke through from midfield superbly to go past the keeper and make it 6-0. Then just a minute later, Manning played a great 35yd pass to find young STEPH TURNBULL, who absolutely smashed her shot into the top of the net - 7-0.

Two goals from Nicky Baker and one from Helina Kidd were just not enough for the reserves, they went down by four goals to three against Boldon ladies, boro were unlucky not to get a point from this game, playing with only ten players they put on a great perfomance.