In front of a big crowd at Edgeley Park, Emily Senior’s side made a slow start to the game and found themselves on the back foot in the early exchanges. In the 2nd minute Levi Rathburn watched her shot roll wide of the target before Maria Figueiredo forced Becky Sidwell into a comfortable save. In the 13th minute, the deadlock was broken courtesy of Milly Ash. The winger raced through on goal, rounded the keeper before she slotted into the back of the empty net.
Sidwell was called back into action just a few minutes later when she made a brilliant save to tip a shot wide of the post. Alex Gatt saw her shot comfortably saved in the 27th minute before Jess Holder came close to doubling her sides lead in the 44th minute. She broke through on goal, but her strike was saved by Heap.
Senior made a double change at the break, with Sophie Bentley and Ruby Gore replacing Imani Todman and Ruby Shaw, but her side were forced into some early defensive work. Emma Lysons had two quick fire changes in the 54th and 60th minute when her shot was saved before she fired wide of the target. The home side came close to levelling in the game in the 72nd minute but Alex Gatt made a superb covering tackle to prevent the Stockport County attacker from getting a shot away.
As the game headed towards the final exchanges, both Ruby Gore and Holder had late chances to put the game to bed but Heap was equal to both chances. The MinsterBelles defence then held firm in the final seconds to make sure of the points and secure their FA Women’s National League Division One North safety.
The MinsterBelles are back in league action, for the final time, at York Sport Stadium on Sunday 28thApril as they welcome Leeds United.
