Harrogate Railway Ladies go into the Christmas break on the back of an emphatic win over arch rivals Keighley, winning 2-0.
After a disappointing loss at Keighley’s ground at the start of the season Railway had a point to prove and prove it they did, in the midfield Ellie Macleod, Jodi Hodgson and Chloe Elphick battled hard all throughout the game and the back four Ali Purvis, Issy Rowe, Jenny Hudleston and Sandra Clark were immense in the way that they kept Keighley out, winning tackle after tackle and feeding the ball out to the wide players, Nicola Hadley (right) and new girl Lisa Aitken (left) who in turn gave some great deliveries into the path of Dee Swales up front.
This was a hard game for Railway with play going back and forth at a great pace, Keighley had the first real chance after 30 minutes going one on one with rails keeper, Charllote Donnelly, who pulled off a fantastic save.
As Railway gained momentum chances were being made and with 3 minutes to half time Ellie played a ball over the top to Dee who turned the last defender and firing into the bottom left corner, 1-0.
At half time the Railway ladies were told to up the tempo even more and really get into the Keighley defence, this they did and for 15 minutes the ball never came out off that half, on the third corner in this time the ball came out to Issy on the edge of the box who smashed the ball at goal but the keeper made an awesome save to deny her goal.
Keighley managed to get some shots at rails goal, hitting the post once but generally not being able to beat Charllote, it was on the 68th minute when Ellie played out to Lisa at the side of the box, Lisa got past two defenders and slotted the ball into the near post, 2-0.
Keighley piled on the pressure to pull one back but as they did gaps opened up behind them and Railway were quick to counter attack but failed to find the final touch.
This was a big win for Railway as it now puts them in a very good position for the second half off the season to try and retain the premier league title.
The Ladies and managers would like to thank all the supporters who come along to the matches and wish every one a happy Christmas.
