Here’s a rundown on how all three teams got on last weekend for York City Ladies.
First-Team
York City Ladies 1st Team were beaten 4-0 at home to Durham Cestria last Sunday at the York Sports Stadium.
It was the MinsterBelles’ first-ever home league game at their new stadium at the York Sports Stadium, which they managed to attract an outstanding crowd of over 200 people. As part of partnership of hosting games at the new stadium at the University of York, York City Ladies also offered free entry for students on the campus and were pleased to welcome over 50 students.
We also engaged further with the wider community on the day of the game as local football clubs in the City of York were invited to help at the stadium ahead of kick off. Players from Elvington Harriers, Strensall Tigresses and Huntington Rovers held the respective roles of Flag Bearers, Player Mascots and Ball Girls.
York City Ladies Chairperson Paula Stainton was pleased with how the day ran despite the result, saying, “This was another big step for the club as we are developing a wider following for all of our fixtures this season not just those held at the LNER Community Stadium. The York Sport Stadium offers us the opportunity to have a bigger capacity crowd and a seated, covered stand which is a great space for all supporters especially families. “
Following Sunday’s result at home, The MinsterBelles bounced back to winning ways on Wednesday night in style as they secured a 4-0 win on the road at Doncaster Rovers Belles, which will boost the side’s confidence heading into Sunday’s rearranged FA Women’s National League Plate Round 1 tie at Chorley.
Development Team
The Ladies Development side welcomed Ossett United Ladies to York St Johns on Sunday afternoon with Ossett sitting just one place behind the Devs in the league ahead of the game.
The Devs took the lead in the 33rd minute in the contest through Ruby Watt’s tap in following good played out wide by Rosie Bell. The lead didn’t last long as the visitors levelled the game in the 41st minute, which ensured both sides headed into the half-time break level.
The Devs retook the lead six minutes into the second half through Bell’s finish, but once again Ossett levelled the game with a 30-yard screamer. Ossett then went on to take the lead with eleven minutes to go as they looked to secure all three points, but Bell’s second of the game only minutes later secured a late point and a 3-3 draw for the Devs.
Andy Hardey at full time said “Ossett are the best football playing side we have faced so far and add in the experience they have, it became a real learning game for our young players….you could see the girls learning to deal with having less possession than usual, but they never gave up, even when we went 3-2 down. The players showed a maturity beyond their ages and to gain the equalizer was earned from their never die attitude”
U23’s
York City Ladies U23’s beat Redcar Athletic Ladies 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.
A quick start from the girls saw them go 1-0 up after 5 minutes. Freya Louth picked the ball up on the left side, beat her player and delivered into the box. The ball was flicked on by Emia Hendrickson-Eastwood, before being arrowed home on the volley by Maya Baxter-McPhie.
The second of the afternoon came on the 25th minute. Tegan McGill found Maya Baxter-McPhie on the edge of the box who turned and fired a shot goalwards. The ball deflected off a Redcar defender and into the path of Emia Hendrickson-Eastwood, who calmly slotted the ball into the corner.
Three minutes later, Maya Baxter-McPhie got her second of the afternoon and her fifth goal in 4 games. Georgia Sutcliffe picked the ball up on the right-hand side and drove a cross in towards the back post. Baxter-McPhie collected the ball and fired home a right footed shot into the top corner.
The U23’s now look towards there next game at home v Richmond Town Ladies on Sunday 15th October (2pm kick-off).