Unbeaten run ends for Ladies 4s

City of York 3-1 Halifax III

On the back of an unbeaten four match run Halifax started brightly and despite a depleted team, matched their highly placed opponents for the first half.

The left side linked well with Rachel Rosier and Anna Butterworth setting up Sara Woodhead in attack for some runs which troubled the York defence.

Man of the match Beth Smith provided energy and pace in Halifax’s midfield and along with Vicki Ferdinando helped Halifax gain the upper hand in terms of possession and chances in the early part of the match.

After an attack from the right where Halifax had over committed as they pressed for a goal, the ball broke kindly for York. The York forwards attacked quickly, beating two defenders and found stand-in keeper Gail Crabtree exposed at the back before slotting the ball home on the near post.

Crabtree kept out any further shots on goal from York in the first half while Halifax’s midfield and attack continues to press forwards for a deserved equaliser. After good work from Robyn Fawkes and Leigh Hirst Halifax worked the ball to Woodhead again who from the left wing put the ball across the goal. Hannah Woodcock reacted first to send Halifax into the break level.

The second half saw York come out with renewed determination and after a defensive mix up they scored from close range.

Alison McManus marshalled the defence back into order but the midfield failed to find the level of possession enjoyed in the first half, although they still threatened with April Hendy sending some inviting balls into the goal area and Fawkes forcing her way into several shooting positions.

Towards the end of the game York scored a third goal for a flattering score line which saw them move up into second place in Division 4 while Halifax stayed eight with a few more points needed for safety.