Image by Ian Parker
The MinsterBelles returned to winning ways in style as an 86th minute strike from Emia Hendrickson-Eastwood saw them pick up all three points against Durham Cestria.
New signing Alex Gatt, whose signing was announced before kick off, made her debut in the Midfield and her side had to weather an early storm in the opening minutes. Two shots whistled wide of Becky Sidwell’s goal before she was called into action to make a smart save in the sixth minute. The MinsterBelles then turned defence into attack and took the lead in the 15th minute. Gatt threaded a pass through for Milly Ash to run on to and the Winger unleashed a lovely strike into the top corner. The lead was then doubled just minutes later when Jess Holder curled Grace Sykes’
cross into the bottom corner. The visitors then had a spell of their own and reduced the deficit when Becca Bell’s strike hit the inside of the post and rolled into the back of the net. The final action of a pulsating first half came in the form of a sharp save from Sidwell to give her side a narrow lead going into the break.
The second-half started with both sides exchanging meaningful chances.
First Sidwell made a save in the 48th minute before before Rosie Bell flicked a header wide of goal just seconds later. Emily Senior then made her first change of the afternoon, with Hendrickson-Eastwood replacing goalscorer Ash. But her side were having to put their bodies on the line to keep the lead. In the 70th minute, Cestria had their best chance when a header rolled just wide of the goal. The visitors then levelled up the match, courtesy of Ashley Townsend. She slotted into the bottom corner to bring her side level. But the MinsterBelles continued to push hard, searching for their third goal, and they re-took the lead in the 86th minute. Hendrickson-Eastwood curled a shot into the top right hand corner to leave her side on the brink of a valuable three points. The defence then stood firm in the final minutes to secure a huge three points infront of 150 spectators!
The MinsterBelles turn their attention to the County Cup next weekend as they travel to Redcar Athletic in the semi-final.