Harrogate Railway were away to Ossett Albion today in the North East Regional Women’s League Southern Division. (1 November 2015)
Railway yet again took time to settle into their usual footballing style & Ossett were keen to exploit Railway’s frailties.
After 8 minutes and despite having two occasions to clear the ball from the back, Railway were punished by the Ossett striker who calmly slotted the ball home. Railway were starting to look tired, unsure of themselves and yet again Ossett capitalised by a fast break right through the middle of Railway and again found the bottom corner, 2-0 Ossett.
Railway started to find their feet after 25 minutes and chances started to appear with both Chloe Elphick and Nicola Hadley coming close.
In the 32nd minute a neat phase of play involving Lou Donnelly and Jodi Hodgson found Nicola Hadley who smashed in from eighteen yards, 2-1 Ossett half time.
Railway were yet again reminded of their tempo, positional play & overall commitment at half time and to all their credits responded brilliantly. The second half kicked off with Railway on fire and stringing five and six passes together but yet again Railways frailty came into play as a pin point pass found a quick Ossett striker who again showed her class by making it 3-1 Ossett on 50 mins.
Railway were not phased by this and continued to their strengths forcing a string of corners & on the 55th minute player of the match Ali Purvis found Jodi Hodgson who smashed home, 3-2 Ossett.
It took only 5 minute for Railway to equalize again with a set piece from Ali Purvis but this time Nicola Hadley lobbed the keeper for her 2nd of the game. The game flowed from end to end with numerous chances created but it wasn’t until the 80th minute where Chloe Elphick had a great run and showed great composure to slot home past the on rushing Ossett keeper, 4-3 Railway (Aaron Ramsey esq she says!).
The game also saw an impressive debut for Krista Shuttleworth who didn’t look out of place and will surely be an asset to the group. Finally Railway would like to put a huge thanks on record to skipper Ali Purvis who played her final game today before embarking on a new career. She has been a pleasure to work with and will be badly missed by all. Best of luck Ali!
Report by Simon Mercer
