York took to the pitch on Wednesday for the most important match of the season so far. Hoping to maintain their unbeaten record this season the home team faced Sheffield. The opposition were clinging onto their position at the top of the division with York just 6 points behind. York looked determined to close the gap and with promotion within their sights, the team gave an animated and persistent performance.
After the first short corner Sheffield’s attacker Clare Reid slipped the ball past keeper Laura Porter allowing the visitors an early lead.
The home team upped their game and started to pass the ball well but within ten minutes Sheffield launched another attack with an uncatchable run from the halfway line. Although Porter came out for the tackle, the ball sailed into the back of the net with York’s defenders just a second behind.
York responded to the disheartening 2-0 scoreline with a successful counter-attack and goal, after advantage was played from a Sheffield foot in the ‘D’. A minute later the whistle blew for half time. A goal down and yet the home team continued to work well together, benefiting from a more established line up that has been settling into place over the course of the season.
York persisted in their attack and it was Sophie Anderson who delivered, scoring her second goal of the match. Both teams kept the pressure up right until the final whistle with a particularly feisty -performance from Frankie Hall, who was later awarded ‘Man of the Match’. The teams were well matched but victory was deserved by the home team, who kept up the pressure throughout, constantly fought for the ball and had so much play down their attacking end. With chances of promotion almost ruined, York women’s seconds just have to keep spirits high and end the season with victories in their final two fixtures.