YORK City Ladies moved up to second in the North Eastern Regional Women's Football League premier division after a 4-3 victory over Boldon Ladies.

It was the Minsterbelles' fourth straight home win but only came after a dramatic afternoon at York St John University's Haxby Road pitch.

The visitors were quickest out of the box and took the lead with only 70 seconds gone as a striker latched on to a mis-placed pass.

In-form Ellie Harding equalised shortly before the half hour mark - impressively finding the far corner of the net with a low drive - but this was against the run of play.

Boldon were taking advantage of a strong gale on their backs and they soon went back in front on 38 minutes and scored a third a minute before the break.

The Minsterbelles were camped in the Boldon half in the second half. Winger Jazz Whitwell caused problems and Nikki Brown and Beth Clayton dominated the middle of the park.

York wore their opponents down and substitute Bryony Welsh found the back of the net from close range on 70 minutes.

Harding levelled five minutes later and, with six minutes left, Natalie Eustance crossed from the right and an unmarked Harding glanced her header past the stranded keeper to put the Belles into a frenzy.

Boss Dale Holt said: "For 45 minutes we weren't at the races at all, Boldon came with a game plan and we didn't cope with it. At half-time we changed the shape a little and asked the players for a reaction. We certainly got that.

"The two goals just before half-time could have broken us, but the spirit and togetherness the girls showed was fantastic and in the end I think we deserved to win.”

A top of the table clash at runaway leaders Brighouse Town next awaits City Ladies.