Hockey: Winning start as City of York Ladies I revel in a step up (From York Press)

Hockey: Winning start as City of York Ladies I revel in a step up

10:26am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Sport

NEWLY-PROMOTED City of York Hockey Club Ladies I opened their North League premier division campaign with a 2-0 victory over Durham University II.

Durham had the better of the opening exchanges as York tried to get to grips with the step up in intensity and the demands of the new division.

However, York started to settle after their defence set the benchmark, thwarting a couple of Durham chances.

York linked up well in attack and Lorna Harris set up an opportunity for her side to take the lead against the run of play.

Her effort was stopped on the line by a defender’s foot, so York were awarded a penalty flick and Lauren Boddison stepped up to convert.

That gave York the confidence they needed to dominate the match and they created havoc for Durham with good quick passes and pace up front.

Durham showed they could still threaten on the break, but York doubled their lead through Ali Butler.

Jenna Gallagher made a decisive tackle in York’s 25 and the ball eventually found Emily Thorpe, who played it to Butler on the right wing and she drove the ball to the top of the ‘D’ before firing past the ’keeper.

Despite a good start from Durham in the second half, York maintained their pressure and created more chances.

Durham had a goal disallowed and some excellent defensive play ensured York were able to hold on.

City of York II went down 1-0 at Kingston-upon-Hull I in the Yorkshire League premier division, while City of York III were 4-1 winners over Acomb I in division three.

City of York IV beat hosts Harrogate V 3-1 in division five, while City of York V toppled Ben Rhydding V 4-2 in division six Yorkshire.