Aimee Claypole’s first senior hat-trick edges Durham closer to top-three finish

Durham’s on-loan Chelsea Women striker Aimee Claypole scored her first senior hat-trick as her side beat Portsmouth 6-0 in the FA Women’s Championship.

The Bracknell-born striker has been on loan at the Championship side for the second half of the season and has now scored five goals in two games following a brace the previous weekend at home to Newcastle.

Claypole’s goals against struggling Pompey came in the 14th, 57th and 59th minutes with a goal from captain Sarah Wilson sandwiched in between.

In the race for the top three, and possibly the title, London City Lionesses lead the way on 38 points with three games to go. Birmingham City are second on 36 and Charlton Athletic are third on 33, a point ahead of Durham – although the Addicks have played a game more.

On the receiving end of the 6-0 defeat – somewhat of a surprise after an improved run from Pompey who took seven points from their last three games – was a familiar face to Berkshire football watchers in Hannah Poulter, previously with Reading FC Women.

The 19-year-old England youth internation joined Portsmouth on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January, replacing another former Reading star Eve Annets who was on-loan from Manchester City.