Women’s football in the northeast is booming, but Durham FC continue to be overlooked
This Sunday sees another Barclays Women’s Championship derby take place in the northeast. This time, it is trailblazing Durham FC who will host Sunderland AFC.
The Wildcats have commenced their season in promising fashion, currently occupying the fourth spot in the league standings after winning four of the five games they have played thus far. The current top three (Birmingham City, London City Lionesses, and Charlton Athletic respectively) have all added a total of 13 points to their tallies at this stage.
It is important to note, though, that the trio have all played six games, whilst as mentioned, Durham have played five. This is because this season, the Championship is made up of eleven teams rather than the usual twelve due to Reading FC’s omission from the competition.
The Lasses, meanwhile, are trailing behind their northeastern rivals in eighth place, after they won one and drew one of their first five matches, losing the other three.
The Magpies have taken flight
The Championship welcomed a footballing giant of northeast England to its ranks this season, after Newcastle United won promotion from the FA Women’s National League North at the end of their dominant 2023/24 crusade.
Heading into round seven of the contest, the newcomers sit sandwiched between their fellow northeastern competitors. The Magpies are sixth in the table, and they secured a statement 2-1 win over Sunderland last weekend in the Championship’s inaugural Tyne-Wear derby.
The closely fought clash took place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, drawing a record-breaking Championship crowd of 15,387. This colossal figure highlighted the significance of the Magpies’ introduction to the league, and much conversation has been had about the resurgence of women’s football in England’s northeast, and what clubs like Sunderland and Newcastle are doing to champion it.
However, something has been missing from many of these discussions.
The Wildcats aren’t going anywhere
Speaking about the passion that lies in northeastern-based football before the season commenced, Durham captain Sarah Wilson said “It’s probably a bit cliché, but it’s a bit like a religion isn’t it. It’s like, in your blood.”
Durham and its surrounding areas have long been a hub for talented footballers. Wilson expressed her delight at the reinvigoration of women’s football in the northeast, saying “For the players coming through now that have three top teams in one of the top leagues, it just shows how much opportunity there is for everyone.”
The old northeast tribalism has only recently seen the Tyne-Wear divide truly make its way into the women’s game, but Newcastle and Sunderland are not the only northeastern adversaries battling it out in the Championship. When debating which northeastern team might make it to the Barclays Women’s Super League first, why do the Wildcats frequently go under the radar?
Durham have been a mainstay in the Championship for several years. Lee Sanders’ side is one of very few clubs in the second tier that is not attached to a men’s team, making its consistent status all the more impressive. Durham’s development model and decision to remain unaffiliated with any men’s side makes them an interesting outfit to follow.
Despite the fact that the Wildcats are currently ahead of both the Lasses and the Magpies on points, Durham are all too often overlooked. In light of this, there is a conversation to be had regarding whether the discrepancies that lie between coverage of Durham and coverage of Newcastle and Sunderland, exist in part due to the Wildcats’ independence from any men’s football organisation.
Durham endured a challenging 2023/24 campaign and finished ninth, but resilience, summer strengthening, and identity, have seen them thrive since the ongoing season started.
Already this season, the Wildcats have beaten the current table toppers 1-0, and reigned triumphant over Newcastle by the same margin. Can they assert their dominance further this weekend?
The head-to-head statistics on the two sides suggest that Sunday’s contest will be a close one. Notably in Durham’s favour, though, is that they have conceded three goals so far this season, compared to Newcastle’s thirteen. This, of course, suggests defensive strength in what is an extremely competitive league.
Durham will host Sunderland on Sunday, with the highly-anticipated derby kicking off at 12pm. The important fixture will be available to watch live on YouTube.
