[visiongallery set=72157636876536126]
Photos: Philip Mourdjis
The University of York’s Women’s 1sts are still without a win this season, as they were overcome 4-2 by Sheffield Hallam 1sts on the JLD.
The hosts came away with their pride intact after a strong second half display in which they scored two goals without reply, but not until after letting Hallam run riot in the first period.
Captain Izi Hutchinson will be left with mixed emotions following a lacklustre first half display, and a second half in which her fledgling side, containing several freshers, improved superbly.
The visitors started the game strongest, pressing high up the pitch and winning a succession of early short corners. York managed to avoid the worst possible start, however, when a lofted finish from Hallam was ruled out for obstruction.
Minutes later, though, the hosts did find themselves behind, as they were unable to clear another blistering Sheffield attack.
York’s initial response to conceding was positive, but they struggled to keep possession, and another quick Hallam break resulted in the travelling side earning a healthy two-goal cushion over their opponents.
To their immense credit, this inexperienced York side did not let their heads drop, enjoying a period of sustained pressure on the fringes of the Sheffield 25-yard line. Time and again they were unable to convert some clear-cut chances in the area, with the Hallam keeper comfortably keeping their efforts at bay. Their hard build-up work bore no fruit, and their lively opponents worked the ball quickly down the other end of the pitch for a chance, flicking in from the resulting short corner.
Soon after, the hosts conceded yet again after some fine Hallam work in the area, followed by a swept finish. As the half-time whistle blew, the scoreline looked an ominous 4-0 to the away team.
The White Rose were determined to make a mark on the game, even if overturning a four-goal deficit was unlikely. Having put York to the sword in the first period, Hallam naturally took their foot of the gas, as Hutchinson rallied her team.
Second-year Minerva Saner worked tirelessly down the left flank, chasing every loose ball as she led this young York side by example. Katie Penrose and Laura Atkinson were outstanding with and without the ball.
Eventually, they reaped the rewards of their bravery and aggression as Sophie Warr deftly finished off an inviting cross from the right into a crowded D.
Buoyed, the hosts continued to pepper away at the visitors’ defence. A Joely Hartley goal from a short corner reduced the arrears to 2-4 before the final whistle sounded, leaving York to reflect on a testing, but encouraging encounter against high-flying opponents.
After the game, a reflective Izi Hutchinson told Vision: “We went into the game knowing it would be a tough match. It was, as a team, our second BUCS game and in regards to this we had a stormer of a match.
“It was one of those games in which the scoreline does not reflect the play – the girls worked incredibly hard and we will now look ahead to next week knowing we gave our all in one of the toughest fixtures in our calendar this year.”