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Photos: Jack Western
UYHC Ladies’ 1sts suffered a chastening defeat on the JLD, as a strong Sheffield side ruthlessly dismantled them by four goals to nil on the JLD.
Izi Hutchinson’s team braved the elements on Wednesday evening to face a tough clash with the league leaders, but were unable to halt the visitors’ impressive form this season. Despite York having plenty of possession early on, the breakthrough came from Sheffield’s first attack, scoring an early goal from some quick attacking play.
This set the tone for the rest of the match. Sheffield continued to look very dangerous in attack and nearly grabbed a second but for a good save from goalkeeper Furber. For a good portion of the first half there were good spells of pressure for both teams as the White Rose looked to equalise with a string of short corners which failed to trouble their opponents.
Sheffield, on the other hand, proved far more resourceful with their own corners, striking a second goal just before half-time as York failed to properly clear the danger. This was a big blow for York, and the wind was well and truly knocked out of the home side’s sails as Sheffield began to dominate possession and close out the half comfortably.
The hosts sought a better response after the interval,l and began strongly, keeping possession with some neat passing, but still struggling to trouble this well-drilled Sheffield team.
And the visitors showed why they are top of the league with a quality strike to score their third and put the game firmly beyond the reach of the Black & Gold.
York refused to give up and kept pressing, forcing Sheffield to defend, but again the away side stood firm, blocking a number of shots as York pushed for a consolation goal.
Despite some enterprising attacking play, with Katie Penrose particularly impressive, they were unable to break down the brick wall that was Sheffield’s defence.
York were punished late on as they again failed to clear, allowing the visitors to net their fourth of the evening. To their credit, the hosts soldiered on through the rain, and came close at the end of the game with a free hit, but it was not to be.
The White Rose showed good spirit in a game with tough opponents and even tougher conditions, but in the end will be left to reflect on a difficult day at the office.