In a nail-biting final game of the season, City of York Ladies Hockey Club escaped relegation from the Premier Division of the North League with a 1-0 win at fellow-strugglers Sheffield.
The crucial goal came on 18 minutes when, with good work from Karen Howells, leading scorer Sally Sleightholme scored after a penalty corner.
From that point on, York were generally in control, Lynne Gowland's availability in goal giving added stability to a defence in which Kate Longbotham and Cath Hewerdine tackled strongly.
Sleightholme and Sally Powell came close to adding to the lead but York were indebted to Gowland for a fine save from a Sheffield penalty stroke 15 minutes from time to seal victory.
For much of the season York have been unable to field their most experienced side and looked unlikely to avoid relegation until three wins in the last five games enabled them to pull ahead of Sheffield and Winnington Park.
In division seven of the Yorkshire League the young City of York IV ended a good first season by winning their final game 5-0 at home to Tadcaster II. Scorers were Jess Barnes (2), Susanna Dale, Steph Pearson and Becky Raper.
Updated: 11:46 Tuesday, March 26, 2002
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