After a 3 week break due to postponements Harrogate Railway Ladies got to play Bradford Park in the league this week and came away winning 5-0.
On a very heavy pitch Railway put Bradford under pressure from the start having 3 shots on goal in the first 6 minutes all which were well saved. Skipper Aly Purvis created the first goal, with a decent run down the left and fired a cross into the box where Dee Swales turned the defender and shot into the bottom corner to put railway 1-0 up after 12 minutes.
Midd fielders Jodie Hodgson, Ellie Macleod (player of the match) and Nicola Hadley had to work hard to keep control in the middle but this they did manage throughout the game with some very strong tackles from both sides. When the ball was played out to the left Sandra Clark was waiting she took a great touch back inside, skipped around the right back and delivered a pin point pass for Nicola Hadley to drive in the second goal after 27 minutes, 2-0. Bradford managed to get some pressure onto rails goal but they couldn’t turn it into a goal, after another attack from Bradford, Railway broke out on the left with Cat Purvis playing a one two with Sandra Clark then Cat beating two Bradford tackles got within 23 yards and let fly a brilliant strike that beat the goal keeper and flew into the top corner, 3-0.
In the second half Railway dominated most of the play but Bradford never gave up the chase and still had their chances forcing some good saves from Charllot Donnelly.
It wasn’t until the 67th minute that Railway got the 4th goal, with some good tight passing just outside the box from Railway, Rachel Dorkings found herself one on one with the keeper and slotting the ball past her into the near corner. Bradford were now looking tired at the back and started making mistakes, which Railway should have punished them more for, but again it was another lob from 27 yards out that got the 5th goal coming from Dee Swales on the 78th minute.
This was a good performance from the Railway Ladies, after losing the last 2 league games and a forced break, but there was still a lot that can be improved on to emulate last seasons performance.
Harrogate Railway Ladies would like to thank Alan Smith at Harrogate soccer shop for being the match sponsor for today.
Next week the Ladies are away at Brayton Bells
