This Sunday, York City Ladies first team travelled to Clitheroe FC to face off against Blackburn Rovers.
Starting fast, a corner won and taken by Rosie Bell was fired across the box for a sensational back heel finish by Sharone Buckle with only six minutes on the clock. Dominant in the final third, Katie Astle continued to apply the pressure, forcing a great double save from the opposition goalkeeper. With a brief spell for Blackburn at the opposite end, York goalkeeper Becky Sidwell pulled off a great save to tip the opposition freekick onto the bar. Keen to double the advantage, Ruby Watt’s attempt then came close, before Ruby Shaw forcefully struck the ball at the opposition goalkeeper, followed up by striker, Astle. Staying strong across the pitch, the team were disciplined at the back before Florence Pegrum turned her marker with a through ball to Astle, coming close again in a 1 vs 1. As half time approached, York finally managed another well deserved goal, with Watt curling the ball into the bottom corner. Going into half time with a three goal advantage was extremely positive, with the team determined to keep their lead and a clean sheet in the second half.
With many more chances infront of goal, York were unlucky not to add another early in the second half. The first substitute came with seventy-two minutes on the clock, with Millie Martin replacing Tara Duce. Martin was immediately in the action, linking up with Shaw to keep the ball in York’s possession in the middle of the pitch, with numerous strong tackles made across the pitch by Martin, Trickett and Varley in the final minutes of the game. Pegrum was also called to action, making a crucial block to stop the final Blackburn attack. Ending the game with 3 points, 3 goals and a clean sheet – a perfect win on the road and a strong team performance.
The first team play again this Sunday at home for the final time of 2025 – come along and support the team as they welcome Cheadle Town Stingers to York Sport Stadium!
The development team will also be back in action this week, travelling to take on Ilkley Town AFC in the league cup.