GOALS from Nicky Duckling and Jess Close earned Middlesbrough Ladies victory in a in a close-fought encounter at Billingham's Central Avenue, writes SAM LOUGHRAN.

Boro were just about at full strength for this league game as they welcomed the return of keeper Ami Bullen and striker Nicky Duckling.

Even so, Boro did not start the game well, and it was Chester City who had the major share of possession in the first 20 minutes.

Boro found their feet with some promising passages of play, which finally tested Chester's keeper with a Duckling shot from just outside the box in the 25th minute.

Minutes later a great first-time ball from Stacey Cutler put Duckling through and after beating the last defender, she shot past the keeper - but also past the far post.

At the other end, Chester forced three corners in a row, though none of them brought Boro's keeper into action.

Half Time: Middlesbrough Ladies 0 Chester City Ladies 0

In the second half Boro livened up, and within three minutes they took the lead as Jess Close sped down the right wing, past a defender and slipped the ball past the advancing Chester keeper towards goal, where Nicky Duckling slid in at the far post to give Boro the lead. 

Boro improved their game and kept possession for long periods and they went further ahead in the 62nd minute.

Jess Close again charged past the Chester full-back and shot strongly into the far corner of the net to double the advantage.

Chester rallied after going two down and forced Boro to defend strongly, but they couldn't get their final pass right.

"It wasn't one of Boro's best performances, but a welcome three points," said manager Marrie Wieczorek.

NRCFA Ladies Cup semi-final       

MFC Ladies 7 MFC Ladies Reserves 1

MIDDLESBROUGH Ladies beat their Reserve team counterparts convincingly in the North Riding Cup semi-final.

The Reserve team were by the far better side for the opening 20 minutes, with quicker and stronger challenges, while also shading the possession stakes.

They also had the first clear chance when Nikki Baker broke away but she couldn't manage to get her shot on target. 

However, it was first team who took the lead in the 25th minute with a fine strike from Nicky Duckling. 

Just 10 minutes later Duckling scored her second, again with a shot from distance, which keeper Lydia Brown unfortunately misjudged.

With a two-goal advantage, the first team started to dominate the game, with good passing moves which opened up several shooting opportunities, none of which were converted.

Half Time: MFC Ladies 2 MFC Ladies Reserves 0

In the second half striker Stacey Cutler came out of goal to partner Duckling up front and skipper Amy Laville took over between the sticks.

In the 54th minute Boro Reserves won a penalty and skipper Helen Dunn converted to make it 2-1, although just five minutes later Duckling, pictured, completed her hat trick to restore Boro's two-goal advantage.

A few positional changes saw Jess Close pushed up front and within 15 minutes scored a fine hat-trick herself to bring the score to 6-1.

In the last 10 minutes Kate Foster finished a good move by the first team to make the final score 7-1. 

MFC Ladies will now meet York City LFC in the final, with a chance to retain the cup they won last year, as a date and venue to be arranged.

Marrie said: "I was very impressed with our Reserve team, who played with passion and commitment from the very start.

"They were actually unlucky to be two goals down at half-time, but equally I was happy with our second half performance with an excellent quick-fire hat trick from Jess Close.

"Credit also goes to Stacey Cutler and Amy Laville, who shared the goalkeeping duties in place of Ami Bullen, who was missing due to work commitments.

"The game itself was good to watch for any neutrals. It was played with pace, commitment and sportsmanship. Also it was superbly refereed by the three officials."