Wolviston United Ladies 1 – 1 FC Hartlepool (Wolviston win 7–6 on penalties) – Durham Cup

A cup tie against higher-league opposition in FC Hartlepool, a familiar foe to our sister team Wolviston FC Ladies, so we had a fair idea of what was coming and knew we'd be in for a tough test. One look at the warm-up confirmed it: a big, strong, physical side whose game plan was clearly to get in our faces. From the first whistle, that's exactly what they did.

But we did what we said we'd do. We kept the ball, moved it as quickly as we could and took control of the midfield battle, where Abby and Katie were exceptional. Up top, the front three of Ava, Sophie and Jess gave them plenty to think about, and around the 20th minute the breakthrough came. Sophie played the ball out to Jess, who pivoted beautifully and hit an absolute screamer from 25 yards and an acute angle into the top corner. 1–0, and we took that into the break.

The half-time message was simple: they'll come at us again and come at us hard, so stay composed on the ball, move it quickly, hold our shape and the chances will come on the counter. Unfortunately a sloppy defensive corner early in the second half let them level, and for the next 20–30 minutes they pressed us hard and were probably the better side. Even so, we carved out a couple of good chances on the break, exactly as we'd set up to do.

1–1 at full time and on to the dreaded penalties.

The composure from the spot was superb: seven taken, seven scored. Hartlepool's final kick in sudden death was kept out by a cracking save from Layken, and that was that, 7–6.

Girl of the match: Layken. Outstanding all game with a string of excellent saves, then the one that won it in the shootout. But this was a true team effort, with outstanding performances all over the park from every single player.

Onwards and upwards. Next up, runaway Division 1 leaders Darlington Spaires at home. We'll see how that one goes.