The First Team hosted Wythenshawe FC in a National League tie.
After an exceptionally strong start, the team came close to goal with chances from Watt and Varley. Exploiting the space and keeping a strong structure, York displayed great link up and combination play for the first twenty-five minutes of the game. Bolton-Woollam then pulled off a strong save, but unfortunately minutes later the opposition went one goal ahead. Two minutes later, Bolton-Woollam made another great save using her leg to block a promising shot, yet taking their chances well, Wythenshawe grabbed another thirty-seven minutes in. The team were determined to secure their strong start, and did not let their heads drop… with a brilliant run from Bell, and a solid strike across the net and into the bottom corner, Bell grabbed one back forty-two minutes in. Straight from the whistle the ladies fought for the ball, and only ONE minute later, an exceptional strike outside the box landed perfectly into the top corner from Watt. The game was back even, going into half-time 2-2. An injury for Bolton-Woollam meant a goalkeeper substitution at half-time, seeing Mindenhall made her first team debut. In the second-half York started strong, with sound defensive work from Trickett and Pegrum. The opposition added another goal in the sixtieth minute, before Astle came close in a one versus one at the opposite end two minutes later, forcing the opposition goalkeeper to pull off a vital save. The end to end football continued as Mindenhall punched away a strong corner kick and Buckle intercepted the counter-attack. The team kept fighting with Malm, Shaw and Blundell making an appearance, but eighty-five minutes in the opposition added another, ultimately sealing the game for a 2-4 full time score. A break next week, before the FA Cup First Round Proper in two weeks time.
The Reserve Team travelled to Middlesbrough for a second time this season, for the National Reserve League Plate. After previously gaining a point in the league against the opposition, the game was set to be a tough test, but the team were feeling positive. Starting strong, York dominated possession and created some dangerous chances infront of goal. Despite the opposition changing their game plan, the team understood what was needed and maintained their structure well. In the twenty-first minute the opposition went one goal ahead with a harsh decision allowing the half time one goal advantage. The group continued to battle in the early stages of the second half, despite a depleted squad leaving no substitutes available on the day. A quick goal from the opposition meant that the team had to fight for the comeback, but ultimately the aggressive pressure from the opposition led the game astray, against a very good side, the girls conceded four more within the last thirty minutes. Though York had their chances at the opposite end, it was not meant to be, finishing with an unfortunate 6-0 loss. The Reserves travel to play Notts County for next week’s fixture.
The Development Team hosted Lower Hopton. Defending well throughout the first half, the team maintained the goalless scoreline. Hoping to capitalise in the final third, with some positive build up play throughout. The first half continued much the same, goalless at half time. The momentum was clear from the start of the second half, with the team pushing for a goal. Despite some strong chances, and a lot more physicality on display, aggressive in and out of possession, the eleven started to tire and conceded two unfortunate goals within the last ten minutes of the game. An unfortunate defeat despite a spirited performance and many positives to build on. Manager Sam added: “We will go again in the cup next week!” York will welcome Wigginton Grasshoppers to York St John University Sports Park, supporters welcome.