BATTLING City of York ladies I came from behind to claim a point from their North League premier division opener against Springfields I.

City, led by a new coach and playing at their new University of York base, conceded a goal after only 40 seconds.

Despite that shock, York settled into the game and began fighting hard to keep the opposition out of their defending circle.

York lost Lorraine Pearey to injury, but battled hard throughout the first half to keep the score at 1-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Springfields scored another quick goal but York retaliated at the next push back.

Some accurate passes made space for Emily Gee, who fed the ball into the opposition circle for captain Laura Horne to find the net.

Midfielder Steph Wilkinson made a break down the right-hand side and found Ruth Laybourn, out-paced the Springfields defence before passing across the circle to Horne, whose shot found its way in off a Springfields stick.

Springfields upped their game but, with Lou Raper leading the defensive effort, York kept their opponents at bay.

In the dying seconds, Tracy Lorriman made some great saves before Katie Birch put in a block on the line.

City of York IV beat Bradford I 3-1 at Huntington School in Yorkshire League division four.

York missed a few early goal opportunities but then Lynn Bowes opened the scoring with a reverse stick shot.

A second goal was added by Rachel Witherick to give York a 2-0 half-time lead.

York bossed the start of the second period, with strong play from defender Jess Harbord and midfielders Lucy Tate and Wendy Harrington.

Witherick hit the backboard for York's third goal midway through the half, with Bradford pulling a goal back five minutes from full time.

City of York II were 3-0 winners at home to Harrogate II in the Yorkshire League premier division.

There was no game in division two for City of York III, who open their season at home to Pudsey I on Saturday.

The division seven north season also gets under way this weekend, with City of York VI hosting Doncaster IV, while City of York V travel to Horsforth II.