York Firsts’ unbeaten run was ground to a halt in a nail biting thriller, ending 32-31 to Northumbria Thirds.
Despite a convincing win against Sunderland a week earlier, a team who beat Northumbria in the first week of BUCS Fixtures, York lost out in the last quarter.
The first quarter began with each team trying to establish a lead. York started off well with the first centre being converted into a goal by fresher, Emma Loft. However, goals were being scored at each end, with both teams trying to overturn the opposition’s centre passes. It was Amy Moye, York GA, who managed to overturn a Northumbria centre and from here on, York dominated. York was leading 7-3 at the end of the first quarter and a win seemed likely.
However, Northumbria came out fighting in the second quarter. Lucy Daymond ensured York kept the lead by overturning Northumbria’s centres at ease. Despite consistent shooting from Northumbria shooters, Nina Pullman and Lottie Knight ensured that any chance of a lead was kept at bay. At York’s attacking end, Charlotte Ferris and Hollie Dixson fed their shooters with flawless balls, which the shooters turned into goals. At half time, the score was 15-14 to York and York had to pick up their game to guarantee three points.
After an injury caused Pullman to take herself off, Daymond switched to GD to fill in for the captain. Daymond exceeded herself, putting pressure on the shooters, so much so that the frustration was clear. Supported by Knight and Ferris, York managed to keep the accurate Northumbria shooters quiet. The third quarter ended 27-22 to York and the three points seemed even closer.
As they did in the second quarter, Northumbria strengthened their team with tactical substitutions and they had a win in their sights. Despite spectacular shooting by Loft and Moye, the GK had begun to put pressure on balls being fed into the circle. Furthermore, Northumbria brought on a much stronger GA and she was a key player in Northumbria’s comeback. The last few minutes were full of shots and interceptions, with each team battling until the very end. However, York was unlucky, with Northumbria finally edging past them with a 32-31 win.
Pullman, York’s Captain, despite feeling deflated at the result was proud that her team ‘fought until the very end’. She claimed that losing by one goal was ‘devastating’ but vowed that York ‘will beat them on our own ground’. York still have the league in their sights, and this season could be the one for them.
Vision MOTM: Lucy Daymond