Lambert nets winner as Durham battle past sorry Saints

Mollie Lambert’s solo effort handed Durham a vital 1-0 victory in their Barclays Women’s Championship clash with Southampton at Maiden Castle this afternoon.

The midfielder grabbed the only goal in the first half of a game that otherwise lacked a cutting edge, with neither side able to trouble the scoreboard further.

It was the hosts who started the brighter – Grace Ayre headed over from an early Michaela Foster corner before the pressure eventually told. Lambert dispossessed Chloe Peplow on the left touchline and burst into the box to slot the ball into the bottom corner in the 14th minute.

Lambert continued to present the biggest threat to The Saints’ goal – a dipping effort after 20 minutes flew just over the bar – and visiting keeper Fran Stenson was called into action to limit the damage before the break.

The Wildcats continued to look the more likely to net again in the second half. Aimee Claypole hit the post with a 15-yard curler close to the hour mark, and the resulting rebounds were blocked.

Foster saw an effort from a tight angle saved by Stenson in the 73rd minute. The keeper proved a tough obstacle for the home side to break down in the second half.

The Saints never really looked like getting back into the game. Molly Pike had their best opportunity with two minutes to go but debuting keeper Rylee Foster – brought in to replace the retiring Tatiana Saunders, who received a warm reception at the final whistle – stood firm for her clean sheet.

Victory lifted Durham to third place, one point behind leaders Birmingham City. They next travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday for their rearranged Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie. Meanwhile, Southampton host Newcastle United in their next league game on Sunday 2 February 2025.