By Charlie Hopper
York City Ladies made it through to the first-round proper of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup last Sunday after a 3-0 win over Hull United Women at the York Sports Stadium.
Ella Duffield, Nina Howell and Milly Ash helped the MinsterBelles book their place into the hat for the First Round proper, where they will take on FC United of Manchester Women at home.
The MinsterBelles came flying out of the blocks and went close to taking the lead in the third minute through Felicity Jones, but her strike was saved comfortably by the visiting keeper. They didn’t have to wait long before finally taking the lead, as Ella Duffield cut inside and curled into the bottom corner after six minutes.
Steph Turnbull’s side continued to push hard for their second goal with Jess Holder, Rebecca Fevers and Jones going close all before the 20-minute mark. On the stroke of half-time, Jones looked to have sent her side into the break with a two-goal advantage, but her strike was superbly saved by the Hull United goalkeeper.
As the players emerged for the second period, the one-way traffic continued. Substitute Nina Howell’s broke clear of the defence before firing agonisingly wide of the far post. The striker continued working hard, and in the 52nd minute, scored her side’s second of the afternoon. She raced through on goal and tapped the ball past the keeper.
The MinsterBelles lead stretched even further in the 59th minute as fellow substitute Milly Ash smashed home from a tight angle to give her side a 3-0 lead. The final chance of the afternoon came through Howell, who’s shot flashed wide after she had got on the end of a cross.
Due to a fixture clash, the 1st team have a weekend off this coming weekend, but we are back with a trip to Sutton Coldfield Town on Sunday 5th November, in the 2nd Round of the FA Women’s National League Plate competition.
The Development Team and Under 23’s are still in action versus Sheffield United Community Foundation and Guisborough Town respectively tomorrow afternoon, with both games being played at home at York St John University Haxby Road Sports Park. It’s free admission for anyone wanting a Sunday afternoon of football, with both games kicking off at 2pm.