York City Ladies battled valiantly but missed out on silverware when they went down 6-2 to Middlesbrough in the North Riding County Cup final.

After trailing 3-0 at half-time, the City Ladies fought back with goals from Kelly Chesterton (penalty) and Danni Baker within 15 minutes of the restart to threaten an upset.

However, the extra fitness of the Middlesbrough team, who play in the Northern Combination League, told in the end as the visitors regained the initiative with three late goals.

City chairman John Batchelor has announced the City Ladies team will enjoy a closer relationship with the club next season, having only been loosely affiliated in the past.

Updated: 11:35 Tuesday, May 21, 2002