It’s crunch time. York Womens Football 1sts are gearing up for what is sure to be a hotly contested encounter with Central Lancashire, in the semi-final of the BUCS Northern Conference Cup.
The ladies in black and gold have looked impressive of late, causing many to brand the current crop of players the most promising in recent times. However, this description will be put to an intense test tomorrow, when they take to 22 acres against a well-drilled University of Central Lancashire 2nds.
The cup journey began for York in a breathless 7-4 away victory over a spirited University of Sheffield 2nds. Buoyed by such a comprehensive win, a cup run was certainly on the cards.
However, a much tougher test awaited York in the next round, being drawn against a tricky and dangerous Hull 1st team. In a feisty game, in which neither side were able to dominate for long periods, home advantage eventually told and York ground-out a deserved 2-1 victory.
The quarter final stage saw York drawn against Leeds Met 2nds. As anyone who has played university sport would attest to, a Leeds Met side should never be underestimated and despite a few shaky moments, Vicky Decamp and company made sure complacency didn’t become an issue. On a snowy afternoon on 22 acres, goals from Jess Craig, Ellie Whittaker and a brace from midfielder Sam Barker made sure of a 4-2 win.
Speaking of the cup run, captain Decamp was thrilled with the “annihilation” of previous opponents, saying that “it would have been easy to take our foot off the pedal but instead we’ve managed to move from strength to strength.”
On York’s semi-final opposition, Decamp was keen to underline her sides’ underdog status: “UCLAN 2nds are the equivalent of two leagues above us, so I’d be lying if I said we weren’t nervous. But we’re ready for the challenge.”
UCLAN have beaten some big hitters to reach the semi-finals, including Newcastle firsts and Sheffield firsts; showing why they are the initial favourites to reach the final. Despite this, home advantage may prove decisive and York have more than enough fire-power to emerge victorious.
Decamp cited team-spirit as a major factor in how well her team will fair, and stated that “if we play as well as I know we can we have every chance of reaching the finals.”