Harrogate Railway Ladies hosted Swallownest at Station View today looking to build on an impressive workman like display the week earlier.
The 1st half saw consistent pressure from Railway with some amazing football being worked from Sandra Clarke, Lou Donnelly, Jodi Hodgson and Katherine Coupland. This saw Swallownest almost camping out on their 18 yard line, making it a frustrating 30 minutes for Rail. Chance after chance came but either the final pass or shot just wasn’t quite there for the girls with Lou Donnelly, Emma Lansdall and Nic Hadley all coming close to breaking the deadlock. On 35 minutes Lou Donnelly pressed the Swallownest back line winning 2 tackles which saw her one on one with the keeper and calmly slotting home from 15 yards, 1-0 Railway. Despite the goal Swallownest came back hard trying to gain an equaliser but Erika Birnie, Leanne Court, Kat Purivis and Sandra Clarke won just about everything in defence. Half time 1-0 Rail.
The second half Rail knew would be tough as despite dominating play only had the one goal advantage. Swallownest pressed hard which saw Raiway drop deep and cause themselves a few issues. On the 60th minute Swallownest broke the Railway backline only to have Charlotte Donnelly pull off an amazing stop from a shot, but the ball dropped to a Swallownest forward 8 yards out and Charlotte managed to get to her feet and pull of the second amazing save. You wont see a better save this year! Railway then started to find their groove again with Paige Swales, Jodi Hodgson and Kat Edmund linking up which sprung Nic Hadley away who again showed great composure to make it 2-0 Rail. Railway smelt blood and were after a third with Emma Lansdall hitting the post and Kat Edmund coming close but the game finished 2-0 Rail.
A great team performance with the girls knowing they were slightly wasteful in the last third, but overall controlled the game with players of the match going to Lou Donnelly and Kat Purvis.
Railway Ladies entertain Farsley Reserves in the County Cup next Sunday, 2pm KO at Station View.
