By Charlie Hopper
A second-half strike from Jess Holder helped The MinsterBelles pick up a point on the road at league leaders Hull City Ladies.
Following a big win over Chester Le Street last weekend, Chris Holloway’s side arrived at the Easy Buy Stadium knowing that a win would boost their chances of survival in the FA Women’s National League Division One North. They found themselves on the back foot in the early exchanges with Hope Knight having two great opportunities only for Becky Sidwell to make two strong saves to keep the game level. The MinsterBelles then had their best chance of the half when Nikki Brown found Jess Holder and she saw her shot strike the outside of the post and out for a goal kick. In the 15th minute, Holloway’s side were forced into a period of defending with Sidwell saving on the line before the follow up shot went over the bar.
In the 17th minute, the home side broke the deadlock through Helen Lynskey. A dangerous ball was whipped into the box and Lynskey prodded past Sidwell to open the scoring. Elisha Hardcastle, Brown, and Holder had chances before Ellie Tanser came close to doubling her sides advantage on the brink of half-time. She fired well wide of the post from close range.
Holloway made a tactical change at the break with Dani Nanga replacing Hannah Brierley and the change seemed to have worked when Holder equalised for The MinsterBelles. Sophie Tinson threaded a pass through to the winger and she slotted calmly past the keeper. Sidwell was then called into action just minutes later when she made a superb save, tipping a dangerous free kick onto the bar. Both sides then exchanged chances in a bid to grab a later winner. First, Tinson saw her shot saved in the 73rd minute before Sidwell saved brilliantly with her legs to keep the game level.
The spirited MinsterBelles defence held firm in the final minutes to ensure that they left The Easy Buy Stadium with a point.
Holloway’s side are on the road again on Sunday, as they travel to Stockport County.