Was mascot at Durham v Sunderland women's game the youngest in football history?

Little Harper Ellie Robson came into the world on September 25 weighing 6lbs 4oz.

Harper’s mum Sarah Robson, a Durham WFC player, was happy for her new arrival to be carried onto the pitch by team-mate and close friend Helen Alderson ahead of the club’s game against Sunderland Ladies.

Central midfield star Sarah spent five seasons with the Lady Black Cats and still counts several of the team’s squad as pals.

The evening game came at somewhat of an inconvenient time for the tot, who was sound asleep at the time.

Northern Ireland international Sarah, 30, who is married to Harper’s dad Damian, 36, explained: “Mark Donnelly at the club suggested having Harper as mascot for the Watford game, but it was a bit soon after she was born so we decided to put things back.

“Then we realised that the Sunderland game would be ideal.

“Helen was bridesmaid at my wedding and she’s one of my best friends so it was great that she was able to carry her out before the match.

“Harper was fast asleep though because as soon as it gets to 7pm she’s out for the night.

“I’m sure she’ll get to do it again plenty of times in the future.”

Sadly, the game turned out to be somewhat of a stalemate for the new arrival.

The sides failed to make the breakthrough in the 90 minutes, and Sunderland snapped up a bonus point thanks to a 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory after the final whistle.

In the shoot-out, Durham’s Lauren Briggs missed the final spot-kick of the encounter to send the visiting supporters home happy.

New mum Sarah meanwhile is hoping to make a return to the game in the next few months. 
“My husband’s trying to help me get back into things and I’m hoping that I will be able to start doing some work before Christmas,” said Sarah.

“Anything sooner would be great.”