Photo by Ian Parker
Here is a rundown on how the York City Ladies teams got on over the weekend.
First Team
The MinsterBelles were unable to finish the year on a high after a second-half strike from Rachael Dunlop helped the visitors take all three points at York Sport Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Battling against the breezy conditions, it was Cheadle Town Stingers who had the first meaningful chance in the 8th minute when Becky Sidwell made a superb save to tip a header over the crossbar. The resulting corner was almost turned home by a Stingers attacker, but Kanisha Underdown was on hand to clear the ball off the line. Emily Senior’s side then had their best chance of the half in the 10th minute after Faye Singleton was threaded through on goal, but the Midfielder shot was collected by Emma Bradley. Both sides then cancelled each other out for the remainder of the first half, with the MinsterBelles ending it on top.
The second half started with Sidwell immediately called into action. The shotstopper made a smart save to deny Jessica Gillin. Tara Duce headed over from close range in the 55th minute before Senior made a double change, with Milly Ash and Grace Sykes making way for Imogen Hayhurst and Lucy Lendhill. The change seemed to have worked, when Lendhill took the ball down in the area, but her shot curled just wide of the goal. The MinsterBelles were then given a warning in the 69th minute as the Stingers hit the crossbar on two occasions. The free-kick hit the crossbar and fell into the path of Dunlop, but the Strikers header hit the top of the bar and out for a goal kick. The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute. Despite a resolute defensive performance from Senior’s side, Dunlop was threaded through on goal and she calmy slotted past Sidwell to give her side the lead. The MinsterBelles were unable to find an equaliser late on, despite working hard to carve out an opportunity.
Reserves
The Reserves were looking to bounce back from last week’s narrow defeat against Newcastle with a tough trip to second place Leeds United. After a delayed start due to a referee issue, the game finally got underway with both sides looking to take an early advantage in the closely fought tie. It was York who had the opportunity to take the lead when a clumsy tackle in the box brought down Molly Loughton to give the away side an early penalty. Ruby Watt calmly stepped up and slotted home confidently. The home side came back though with an instant response and found a way back into the game with a superb curling effort into the far corner to bring the game back level. Both sides looked to find a winner but with both defences standing firm, the chances were few and far between. York could have won it late on when Katie Varley found space in the penalty area, but her effort was fired straight at the goalkeeper.
A strong performance against one of the leagues in form teams and sees the Reserves keep their place in the top four after a superb start to their debut season in the FAWNL Reserves Northern Division.
Development Team
York City Development played their final game of 2024 at home as they hosted last week’s opponents Sheffield Wednesday for the reverse league fixture.
Sophie Wilson made her first competitive debut at open age after moving up from the the Academy U16’s, showcasing the pathway for girls from youth to adult football in the club.
Sheffield Wednesday scored the first goal of the game on the 6th minute. The opposition’s striker collected the ball on the edge of the box, unmarked, and fired a shot into the top right corner. The lead was extended on the 20th minute when a ball over the top was slotted past the goalkeeper. York continued to try get back in to the game, but Sheffield Wednesday added a third just before half time.
A change in formation and an open discussion at half time saw York come out fighting in the second half. On the 50th minute, Lucy Fairbank was played through on goal by Amelia O’Flaherty. Fairbank kept her cool and found the corner to pull a goal back.
The Development side continued to put pressure on the Sheffield Wednesday goal with the opposition goalkeeper making some good saves to deny them.
On the 65th minute, the ball found its way in to the path of the Wednesday striker after a few ricochets. The striker then slid the ball past the keeper into the bottom right.
Both sides continued to fight for possession of the ball with a number of chances for both teams. York pulled a second goal back in the 87th minute. A free kick from the right of the 18 yard box was crossed in by Liv Sellars for Kazia Walby to head past the goalkeeper.
The Development team now have a month long break before there next game in mid-January.
