The Wildcats had already proved to be stubborn opponents for Casey Stoney's pioneering side in this inaugural campaign, taking the first league points off the Reds with a goalless draw at Leigh Sports Village in late September and then, at the same venue last Wednesday night, restricting United to just Mollie Green's first-minute strike in a slender 1-0 Continental Tyres League Cup win.
This 3-1 victory for Durham therefore completes a full set of results between the two teams but the scoreline seemed slightly flattering, given the final goal was scored on the break in the 88th minute when the game had been very much in the balance.