Harrogate Railway Ladies played host to Bradford Park yesterday (24 November 2013) in the league cup and came out winning 1-0.
It was a game that was end to end in the first half with both teams creating chances in front off goal but neither could put them away, Bradford caused a lot of trouble down there left side with a very quick winger who really tested skipper Ali Purvis, playing at right back, all afternoon. In the midfield Railways Ellie Macleod was having a real battle but on most occasions she came out on top. Charllote Donnelly really was the hero for the day pulling off some brilliant save in the Railway goal, up front Nicola Hadley had her chances and on one occasion scored only to have it disallowed for a dubious offside. Half time 0-0.
After the break Railway made two changes bringing on Dee Swales and Chloe Elphick, Dee went up front, Nicola out to the left and Chloe into midfield this brought a lot stronger attacking force to rails attack and instantly put great pressure on the Bradford defence, which to be faire did a great job the entire match. Bradford finally slipped at the back, on the hour mark, when Ali Purvis found a pin point pass to Dee who turned and fired a fine strike into the bottom left corner, 1-0. Bradford then applied a massive counter attack and for 15 minutes pinned railway in their own half, hitting the post and 3 shots just going wide also what should have been a penalty being declined by the referee. Railway held on and eventually got hold of the game for the last 15 minutes but were very relived to hear the final whistle, Bradford were unlucky and put on a great fight But it is Railway who go through to the next round.
Next week the Railway Ladies are again at home in the league facing Pontefract Ladies and will be looking for another 3 points.
