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Photos: Emilien Tortel
York women’s 1sts produced a sterling comeback from two goals down to secure their progression through to the next round of the BUCS cup, as the team, inspired by ‘keeper Abbie Craig, beat Durham 4ths 2-1 on penalty strokes after the game had ended 2-2 in normal time.
York started brightly and enjoyed a large proportion of possession, however the first major chance fell to Durham, as a surging run down the heart of the pitch drew a save from the onrushing York ‘keeper Craig. It took York 15 minutes to create their first real opening, as Alcuin fresher Katie Penrose found space to unleash a powerful shot towards the bottom corner, which was well saved.
The first goal though was scored by Durham, as they exploited space in the York defence, and capitalised by firing a menacing shot past Craig. After this Durham embarked on a period of dominance, threatening to double their lead. Firstly a counter attack caused danger, before another chance was squandered as the Durham striker pulled her shot wide of the post.
The lead was doubled though soon after, as a scramble in the York area saw the ball break for a Durham player to slot the ball home from only yards out. At this stage things were looking grim for York, as the visitors looked the stronger side.
Yet on the stroke of half time Izi Hutchinson pulled a goal back for York, as she slotted a short corner home into the bottom left hand corner. The goal gave York a lifeline, and as the half time whistle blew the visitors’ advantage had been reduced to a single goal, and York sniffed a way back into the contest.
The second half saw an improved display from York, as they produced their best hockey of the season to date. Durham though created the first chance of the half, forcing a save from Craig, who expertly diverted the ball around the post.
York then won a series of short corners, and enjoyed a better period of play, yet they were unable to secure the crucial equaliser from any of these plays. However finally the pressure told, as a quick passing move saw Emma Beresford slot home a superb equaliser for York.
Durham though then proceeded to miss a golden opportunity to take the lead, as a shot from ten yards out whistled harmlessly wide. Again Craig was called on to deny Durham a winner, and the game ended 2-2 in normal time, meaning that extra time was required.
The two sides could not be split in extra time, as a tense encounter saw neither team prepared to throw too many players forward. Hutchinson had a short corner well saved, before Durham threatened to break York hearts with the last play of the game. A short corner was fired goalwards, but Sally Warrington showed her resilience, clearing the ball off the line.
Penalty strokes were required to separate the two sides, and nerves hampered both sides. Craig saved Durham’s first two flicks, whilst Kristen Roberts found the top corner to give York the advantage. However Durham scored their third, and attempts from both Jill Mercer and Ruth Mason were saved, leaving it at 1-1 after three flicks each.
Craig though again proved her worth saving Durham’s fourth flick, before captain Sally Dolton coolly slotted home her flick into the bottom corner. The pressure was on Durham’s final taker, and once more Craig was the hero, making the save which sealed York’s progression through to the next round.
Captain Sally Dolton commented after the game: “I am incredibly proud of each and everyone of my players. It was a tough game, and i’ve never seen such a tremendous effort. It was our best performance of the season, i’m so happy.”
Vision MOTM: Abbie Craig