Images by Ian Parker.
York City Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw at York Sport Stadium on Sunday afternoon, despite late drama that saw Katie Astle’s penalty saved.
Emily Senior’s side made a strong start, seeing large amounts of possession but were given an early shock when Louise Biggins hit the right-hand post from a free kick. Grace Sykes then found herself in space, in the 19th minute, but her shot sailed over the bar. The deadlock was then broken in the 27th minute through Sykes. Milly Ash whipped in a dangerous delivery that was parried into the path of Sykes, and she smashed into the roof of the net.
The visitors responded well with a handful of chances towards the end of the first half. Alayna Millard first saw her shot slice wide of the goal before she tested Becky Sidwell, moments later, with the shot-stopper making a fine save. Jodie Gregory then saw her shot parried over in the 36th minute. In the 44th minute, Sidwell made arguably her best save of the match when she denied both Lissa Woodhouse and Millard with a sharp double save.
The second half started in similar fashion, with Woodhouse flicking just wide of Sidwell’s goal. Barnsley continued to cause problems and levelled the game in the 74th minute when Millard volleyed past Sidwell from within the area. Senior’s side responded well, however, and went in search of a late winner. In the 87th minute, Astle was threaded through on goal, took the ball round the keeper, before she was brought down by the Barnsley defender. The resulting penalty was saved by Peterkin. Astle put the miss to the back of her mind and almost snatched the win in the 90th minute. She headed Kanisha Underdown’s free kick towards goal but it hit the crossbar and was cleared by the Barnsley defence.
Senior’s side are now out of the relegation zone, for the first time this season, with a trip to Chorley coming up this weekend.
