This weekend, for the first time in history, York City Ladies played in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Though a phenomenal FA cup run comes to an end, it is important to reflect on the occasion that saw the squad play in front of a record-breaking attendance at Chatham Town, of 1,671 fans, and attracted more media exposure than ever before.
A first for many, the team had a longer preparation than usual, staying over the evening before, with the excitement of the historic occasion growing. After already defying odds, as the lowest ranked team left in the competition, the squad were grateful for the opportunity to be one of the final 32 teams left in the competition!
With a nervous start, York were immediately put under pressure by Chatham’s attack, resulting in a Chatham corner with ten minutes on the clock. Chatham’s Ellie Jeffkins was able to convert directly from the corner, going a goal ahead early on. City’s Ruby Shaw and Sophie Bentley continued to link up well on the left hand side, with York coming close through Niamh Doody and Rosie Bell. Chatham then doubled their lead in the thirtieth minute, after a strong attacking spell from York, with Amelia Woodgate on the end of a through ball. York then had the best chance of the game minutes later, with Bell hitting the inside of the woodwork directly from a corner, before Katie Astle’s follow up was blocked and cleared. Despite a possible foul on Shaw, Woodgate was able to add another after taking it around goalkeeper Becky Sidwell near the end of the half. Though the first half saw the Minster Belles behind, the squad were keen to put on a positive second half performance.
Three half time changes helped lift the squad: Ruby Watt replaced Tara Duce, Florence Pegrum replaced Ruby Waldron and Imogen Hayhurst replaced Dani Trickett. Early into the second half, Bentley’s effort was blocked by the Chatham defence and York was able to control more of the possession. Two more substitutes were made for York, with Milly Ash replacing Rosie Bell and Millie Martin replacing Ruby Shaw. Becky Sidwell commanded from the goalline and pulled off numerous stretched saves in the final minutes to give York a second half clean sheet. Full time finished 3-0 to Chatham Town, with Sidwell awarded player of the match. Despite York coming away with 46% of possession, and chances in front of goal, Chatham will progress to the round of 16.
The team bowed out of the FA cup with their heads held high, having accomplished history.
The team will travel to Chester Le Street as they return to league action next, before playing their first home game of 2026 against Doncaster Rovers Belles on February 1st.
To keep up to date and stay involved, be sure to follow our X account for live game updates (YorkCityLFC), our facebook (York City Ladies), our instagram (yorkcityladies) and finally our TikTok for post match interviews (yorkcityladies).