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Photos: Emilien Tortel
Amy Johnson and Jess Craig both scored hat-tricks as the women’s football 1sts romped to an 11-0 victory over Newcastle 2nds to keep themselves top of the Northern 4B table.
Despite the horrendous conditions of heavy rain and gale force winds – which at times had a comical effect on the play – York were clinical in attack and ruthlessly dispatched their opponents with nine goals in the second half.
The victory also extended the gap between York and second-placed Newcastle to eight points, meaning their push for immediate promotion is on track.
With previous matches including a 6-0 win over Bradford 1sts and a 10-1 thrashing of York St John 2nds, hopes were high for another thumping result at home.
York began strongly, forcing the Newcastle defenders into a couple of last-ditch blocks in front of goal before Johnson scuffed a shot just wide from Craig’s pass.
The breakthrough finally came after half an hour when Barker played a through pass to Johnson and the striker hooked a superb finish into the bottom corner before the ‘keeper could react.
Johnson had a chance to double her side’s lead when she volleyed over from close range, but her second came just before the break as she deflected in Barker’s long-range strike.
York remained hungry as ever after the break and put their opponents to the sword in emphatic fashion. An excellent right-wing cross from captain Vicky Decamp evaded the entire Newcastle defence and allowed Craig to execute a delightful chip over the goalkeeper.
A fourth was added on the hour when Johnson’s looping ball forward was embarrassingly fumbled by the ‘keeper into the net, before winger Bea Rye scored a wonderful solo effort, running half the length of the pitch before blasting the ball high into the net.
Rye bagged her second moments later after latching onto Maria Davies’ pass, before Davies turned into supplier, crossing for Craig to score from close range. Barker then made it 8-0 with a rasping drive into the bottom corner.
York’s desire to add more to their tally was so impressive, although there was a hint of fortune about the ninth goal when Newcastle’s ‘keeper kicked a clearance at her own player, presenting Craig with the easiest of finishes.
Substitute Holly Knott scored a brace late on, the first after an outrageous dribble from Marte Wang which allowed her to tap in from the goalkeeper’s save, the second being an excellent finish off the underside of the bar to complete the scoring.
After what was an incredibly one-sided afternoon, captain Vicky Decamp told Vision: “I’m thrilled that we’re top of the league, everyone played really well and hopefully we can keep it going!”
York team: Megan Phillips; Maria Davies, Vicky Decamp (c), Rhiannon Roy, Charlie Barrington; Bea Rye, Marte Wang, Sam Barker, Ellie Whitaker; Amy Johnson (Holly Knott), Jess Craig
Vision player of the match: Amy Johnson