Regional bragging rights up for grabs

NEWCASTLE AND DURHAM BATTLE IT OUT FOR THIRD PLACE AT END OF SEASON

- By JOHN MIDDLETON

THE final weekend of the Women’s Championship is almost upon us. It promises to be full of drama - and last weekend was a great appetiser.

At Kingston Park for the final home game of their season last weekend, Newcastle faced a tough Birmingham side still chasing that single promotion spot.

A 4,000-strong crowd witnessed the two sides battle it out for a draw. Birmingham had the best of the first half and went in one-up at the break through a Simone Magill goal - her fourth in four matches.

The second half saw a change in tactics from the home side and a great headed equaliser by Rachel Furness. This was soon followed by a strong tackle and a yellow card for the Northern Ireland International, but this seemed to stoke the Newcastle fire a bit more.

She later confirmed this would be her final game at KP in this her second spell at the club but would not be drawn as to her future plans.

Following some great defending and quality saves by Claudia Moan, Furness nearly won it in the final minute, narrowly heading wide.

There were tears and cheers at full time not just for Furness but for goalkeeper and record appearance holder Grace Donnelly, who is leaving the club after eight years.