Lambert strikes late to give Durham derby spoils over Newcastle United

Lambert scores in the final moments to secure victory for Durham in the derby against Newcastle United.

Mollie Lambert’s Late Goal Gives Durham 1-0 Win

In the 89th minute, the midfielder scored from just a few yards out, clinching the win for Durham. This came after both teams had several chances to score earlier in the match.

In the first half, both teams had several opportunities to score, but neither managed to find the back of the net. Early on, Deanna Cooper's header was saved just before crossing the line by Hannah Blake, and shortly after, Rachel Furness sent her volley off target.

After 14 minutes, Shania Hayles had the team's best opportunity of the half. She was one-on-one with Tatiana Saunders after the ball bounced to her in the penalty area, but the goalkeeper made a quick and effective save.

From that moment on, Durham started to get into the match, and in the 36th minute, Kaila Novak had a fantastic chance. Lambert sent a low cross in from the right, but Newcastle United's goalkeeper, Claudia Moan, managed to stop Novak's shot at the far post.

The home team ramped up the intensity as the first half drew to a close, but Saunders was in top form, saving two shots from Amber Keegan-Stobbs. Demi Stokes also came close, only to have her attempt stopped right on the goal line.

Saunders was back in action after halftime, stopping a close attempt from Hayles and easily handling a long-range shot from Amy Andrews.

On the flip side, in the 76th minute, Lambert intercepted the ball and passed it to Carly Johns, but she failed to score. Just a minute before the end of the match, Lambert got the last touch when Sarah Robson took possession in the middle of the field. Although Johns' shot was blocked, the midfielder managed to get the ball into the net from a difficult angle, securing the victory.

Newcastle United will be playing again next weekend as they face Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, while Durham will have a break.