The first team welcomed second place, Cheadle Town Stingers to York Sport Stadium, coming off the back of consecutive wins in both the FA cup and National League, in what was set to be a tough tie.
Starting off the better side, York created threatening chances, almost paying off with Niamh Doody and Katie Astle coming close. Dominating possession across the pitch, in troubling weather conditions, the team were fighting for the goal that could put them ahead of the visitors. Calmly passing the ball around the back line, with positive switches of play to apply pressure to the opposition. The team came close eighteen minutes in, as a Tara Duce effort was cleared from the goal-line after a Rosie Bell corner. With battles across the pitch, Cheadle were looking for a way in and applying more pressure. With forty-two minutes on the clock the away team managed to force a mistake, now leading by one goal just before half-time.
Unfortunately, due to the conditions of the pitch, the game was then abandoned at half time for the safety of the players, and will be rescheduled for later in the season. A positive run out with plenty of momentum to continue away from home next week, as the team face Altrincham in the FA Cup Third Round Proper!
The development team travelled to Ilkley Town for another league cup tie, after progressing with an impressive win against tier 5 side Harrogate Town.
Starting off on the front foot, the team dominated possession across the field, gaining a well deserved goal twenty minutes into the first half with a great finish across the goalkeeper by Amelia O’Flaherty. Coming up against a team who currently sit third in their league, York were then tested, conceding quickly after. This did not stop the positive momentum that the team had gained, as they applied more pressure to the hosts. Efforts were again rewarded when Ruby Shannon mazed her way into the box, beating three defenders and slipping it under the goalkeeper, to end the first half a goal ahead, 1-2.
Early into the second half, the hosts again fired back at York, levelling the score. Digging deep, the squad then kept a tight defensive unit to deny the hosts, limiting their chances. Sasha Dann quickly added another to put the team back infront, with some great footwork from Lili Patton to secure the goal. Shannon and Dann then continued their pressing partnership, forcing a mistake from the opposition with an own goal to double their advantage, 2-4. With one final piece of magic, Eliza Newton managed to extend their lead for a convincing win, with an excellent strike plummeting into the top right corner. The full time score finished 2-5, another excellent score with the development team progressing in the cup once again – player of the match goes to Sasha Dann. The team are now without a fixture until the New Year, hosting Millmoor Juniors FC in the league, January 4th 2026.
Manager Sam added: “Really pleased for the girls with the effort levels and quality shown today. Happy to finish the year with a win and look forward to our next game in the New Year.”