Cup success boost for Ladies 2s

After a heavy league defeat at Bridlington Halifax were happy to taste success in this second round Yorkshire Cup tie for clubs in the top two tiers of the Yorkshire League.

Honours were even in the first half with both sides threatening to score. Vicki Ferdinando, promoted from the third team, missed narrowly after a cross by April Hendy and again from a through ball by Margaret Bottomley.

At the other end keeper Beccy Fisk kept the Slazenger forwards at bay, diving full length to keep out a rebound off Anna Butterworth. Cat Vose was also influential at keeping the back door shut and distributed the ball forward well.

After the break Halifax made some key substitutions, introducing some extra pace and troubled Slazengers from the restart. Rebecca Murray controlled the middle of the the pitch, breaking down several attacks and driving the ball forward strongly.

The deadlock was broken when Louise Bottomley was released down the right, and her cross was helped on by Sara Woodhead to find Margaret Bottomley who slotted home from close range.

The second came soon after following one of many strong runs by youngster Niamh Brennan down the left. Showing great close skills and a turn of pace Brennan beat her marker to release a perfect pass to Bottomley who turned the ball into the path of Woodhead to score a great team goal.

Halifax were well on top at this point with Beth Smith and Steph Hoyle adding solidity at the back and guaranteeing Fisk had a much quieter half in the Halifax goal.

The final goal was added after a strong run down the right Courtenay Fisher hit a powerful shot from the edge of the goal circle which flew into the Slazengers net.

Halifax now take on Dewsbury in the semi final in a fortnights time.