By Brad Saxton

 

Here’s a rundown on how all three teams got on over the weekend for York City Ladies.

 

First-Team 

York City Ladies 1st Team just missed the win on Sunday afternoon when a second-half injury equaliser saw the girls come away with a 2-2 draw at Chester Le Street Town Women in a hard-working and battling performance from the MinsterBelles.  

Jess Holder’s impressive strike from 30-yards out originally handed the MinsterBelles the lead in the first half after dominant pressure in the final third throughout the opening forty-five minutes.  

After the hosts responded with an equaliser earlier in the second-half, substitute Ruby Gore went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, before beating the goalkeeper from close-range to re-hand York the lead. 

But a late equaliser in second-half injury time saw the MinsterBelles settle for a point, as they came back down to North Yorkshire with a point.  

Steph Turnbull’s side are back in action this coming Sunday when they travel to Blainscough Park to take on Chorley in the FA Women’s National League Plate 1st Round (2pm kick-off).  

Development Team 

Following two wins and a draw the Development team suffered their first loss, 4-1, of the competitive season to a strong and experienced Handsworth Ladies Firsts. 

The first real chance of the game fell to the Devs with good work down the left leading to a cross and Liv Sellars narrowly missing the goal with her finish. The wind then started to take effect as Handsworth looked to use it by playing in behind the Devs defence and Handsworth finally took the lead, before going on to add a second goal before half time.  

The second half saw the Devs start to get a foot hold in the game with some good passages of play, but were held at bay by some resolute defending by Handsworth, and they scored two further goals in quick succession.

The Devs continued to work hard and in the 88 minute, Grace Sykes managed to pull one back.

“This was a learning game for the players, Handsworth came third last season in the league and it showed the level that we have to keep working at to achieve. Overall I was pleased with the work rate and the players never gave up” – Andy Hardey

The next game for the Development Team is at home this coming Sunday against Millmoor Junior Ladies, held at York St Johns University (2pm kick-off).  

U23’s 

The U23 side didn’t have a game this weekend, but they’ve started the season strongly so far. Having started the new season impressively, the newly-formed side have taken all three of their opening games by storm.

They started the season with successive victories against Redcar Town Ladies Development team and T.I.B.S Women, before they followed them performances up with a clear home win last weekend against Old Malton St Mary’s Ladies. 

Their next game is this coming Sunday when they travel to York RI to take on York Railway Institute Ladies Reserves (2pm kick-off).