York City Ladies First Team travelled to Sunderland to play Chester Le Street in the Women’s National League. One place behind their opposition in the league, this was a crucial game for the Minster Belles, and a big chance to move four points clear of the relegation zone.
Starting strong, Sophie Bentley and Florence Pegrum led the charge down the left hand side, with Sharone Buckle leading the back line and stopping the Chester attack. Across the pitch, York dominated possession, with Ruby Watt and Katie Astle threatening an opener. In the thirteenth minute a strike from Bentley was tipped over the bar by the opposition goalkeeper for a City corner. Less than ten minutes later, Ruby Shaw’s effort also forced a decent save from Chester’s goalkeeper. A constant threat down the opposite side, player of the match, Rosie Bell dribbled past Chester’s defence before coming close at goal. Still searching for an opener, the team stuck to the game plan, keeping a solid formation. The first threatening chance by Chester came thirty-three minutes in, with Buckle making a crucial block. Immediately at the other end, Bell’s chance was then blocked off the line three minutes later! And, on the brink of half time Bentley linked up with Astle in the box, striking the shot off the crossbar – the best chance of the game and unfortunate not to be ahead at the break. HT score, 0-0.
Substitute Tara Duce linked up quickly with Watt but the chance went unconverted, before Bentley came close with fifty minutes on the clock! Less than five minutes later, City hit the bar for the second time – this time through Bell. Still maintaining possession, Niamh Doody kept the ball ticking, with York awarded a penalty in the sixty-seventh minute for a foul on Astle! Astle converted the penalty in a cool, calm manner to give York the much deserved lead. In the final twenty minutes, chances from Doody and Buckle almost allowed City to double the lead. FT score, 0-1 York, a well deserved, and hard fought, win away from home!
The Minster Belles take on Doncaster Rovers Belles Sunday 1st February, for the first home game of 2026! Be sure to come and support the team, in an all important game – Doncaster currently sit 11th place in the Women’s National League!
York City Ladies Development Team will face Handsworth Ladies, who currently sit second place in the league, away from home, fighting for their first league win!
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