Hexham girls hoping to use home advantage this weekend

Hexham did however soon level it with a well-taken goal from Layla Zahawi.

Hexham continued to attack with wingers Georgina Callf and girl of the game Catherine Johnston being particularly effective, causing havoc in the opposition half.

They were ably supported by midfielders Stephanie Chapman, Marie McLoughlin, Jennifer Sewell and Viviane Straub as Hexham continued to snipe away at goal. Against the run of play Kingston Park went ahead yet again and, facing a strong wind in the second half, Hexham knew they were going to have their work cut out.

The defence of Enya Mason, Kelly Loughhead and Ellie Harris were just about managing to hold out and in fact Hexham pulled level again with Layla Zahawi once again on the score sheet. Goalkeeper Charlotte Kennedy was now really up against and it was no surprise when, after wave after wave of attack, Kingston Park restored their lead.

Not to be outdone, however, Hexham continued to plug away with Sophie Davey working hard up front. Hexham were soon rewarded with a third goal to get back on level terms with Layla Zahawi getting her second hat-trick in a week.

Sadly Kingston Park managed to sneak a fourth goal late on to take a 4-3 lead into the second leg. But with Hexham on home turf next week those three away goals may come in very handy and Layla Zahawi may well have kept Hexham in the tie.