A NAILBITING final was decided by spot kicks as York City Ladies won the North Riding Country Cup.

The Minsterbelles and Middlesbrough Ladies were locked at 2-2 at the end of the game and it was Ashlee Brack who was the penalty hero, scoring the winning kick, as York prevailed 5-4.

Keeper Chloe Precious also saved two from 12 yards to ensure some silverware for the side.

Staged at the North Riding County FA headquarters in Stokesley, York were unlucky not to open the scoring in the first two minutes - Brack's short free kick finding Sara Renfrew who flashed a superb cross across the goalmouth.

After losing last year's final to Middlesbrough, York were intent on revenge and the Teessiders didn't have a real attempt on goal until the 16th minute when a free kick went high over the bar.

Renfrew was unlucky not to score after she hit the post with a header from a Ruth Brazier cross. The game was end to end and Ali Smith's shot was then saved following a well-taken corner.

York were rewarded 11 minutes after the break when midfielder Nicki Brown's pinpoint cross was finished superbly by Renfrew. The lead only lasted 10 minutes, though, as Boro equalised after hesitation in defence saw their striker finish into an open goal.

Lisa Bjornstaad came on for York and she played a great ball into Lauren Shuttleworth. The York player found herself one-on-one with the keeper and finished to put the Minsterbelles back in front with 15 minutes to play.

Once again, though, York couldn't hold on and, barely a minute later, Boro scored a penalty after a player was fouled in the box. Both sides continued to press but the final whistle blew and it was straight to spot kicks.

Middlesbrough netted their first two and Brazier and Brown scored theirs for York. Precious saved the third Middlesbrough penalty and Bjornstaad scored to put York in front. After Boro scored again, Shuttleworth sent hers over the bar and the scores were once again locked at 3-3.

Jess Barnes ensured sudden death would be required and Precious stepped up by saving. Brack stayed calm and found the back of the net to give York the win.