‘We are in a bit of a rut’ – Ditchburn reacts to Durham’s defeat against Sheffield United | OneFootball

Durham’s first team head coach Claire Ditchburn saw positives in her side’s performance against Sheffield United at Maiden Castle yesterday but admits that the team are in a difficult moment.

The Wildcats were defeated 5-2 by The Blades despite establishing an early two-goal lead in the match. The result sees Durham’s winless start to 2024 continue.

When speaking to the media after the match, Ditchburn said that she was pleased with some aspects of her side’s performance but felt the confidence drain away as the visitors got themselves back into the contest.

“The girls gave it absolutely everything, they had a point to prove and were raring to go,” Ditchburn said. “You saw that in the first 20 minutes but unfortunately, we just lacked a little bit of confidence. I felt that when the first goal went in, it really knocked us.

“You could see the confidence draining but that’s football when you’re in a bad run of results. Sometimes, you need that rub of the green as well to see you over the line.

“We fought and I can’t fault the girls’ effort but unfortunately, we are in a bit of a rut at the moment.”

As a result of injuries and suspensions, Durham were only able to name four substitutes. Of the four players sat on the bench, one was a goalkeeper and another was carrying a knock. While Durham were missing some important players, Ditchburn couldn’t fault the effort of the two youngsters that did come onto the pitch during the second half.

She said “Obviously, our captain was suspended today and Lily [Crosthwaite] has been a fantastic player for us in recent weeks but she picked up the injury. Saoirse [Noonan] as well, another player that you’d look to bring on for goals was injured also.

“There were limited options but the girls that we did bring on did exactly what we asked of them; they brought a new energy, but unfortunately, the game was too stretched at that point for them to have an impact.”

Durham have a two-week break before their next match, a period which will enable players to recover and allow for some additional time on the training pitch.

“We would always like games but we will take the time to get some players back fit,” Ditchburn said. “We will also work on some things on the training pitch. We will be fully-focused for the next two weeks towards the London City game.”

Durham’s upcoming Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against London City Lionesses will take place at Princes Park on Sunday 18 February 2024.