Birmingham City fall to first defeat of the season at Durham | OneFootball

Lily Crosthwaite scored the winner as Durham dealt Birmingham City their first loss of the season with a 1-0 win at Maiden Castle.

The winger coolly slotted past Lucy Thomas shortly after the break to hand Durham a third win in four Barclays Women’s Championship games.

Mollie Lambert had the first chance of the game for the hosts with six minutes gone, shooting wide after a good move through the middle.

Lee Geum-Min then volleyed wide for Birmingham City in the 20th minute, in a half of few chances for either team.

The best chance of the opening period fell to Durham in the 35th minute. Beth Hepple sent a low corner to the edge of the box and found Hannah Blake, who saw her effort saved, while the rebound from Abby Holmes was blocked.

Crosthwaite struck two minutes into the second half to give the hosts the lead. She robbed a defender in her own half and surged into the box before side-footing past Thomas at the near post.

Birmingham City upped the pressure in search of an equaliser, but struggled to find a way past the stubborn home rearguard.

Despite the visitors’ urgency, it was the North East side who continued to look the more threatening, and arguably should have won by more. Crosthwaite had a great chance to double hers and Durham’s tally after being sent through by Lambert, but her chipped effort drifted off target.

There were polarising reactions from the crowd to the announced 12 minutes of added time, but Birmingham City couldn’t force a leveller, and drew a blank for the second time in successive away games.

Both sides are next in action in the Women’s League Cup in midweek. Durham travel to Blackburn Rovers while Birmingham City play host to Brighton & Hove Albion.