YORK City ladies’ promotion hopes in the North-east regional women's league premier division were dashed by an unlucky 1-0 defeat at Brighouse.

The hosts managed just one shot on target in the game but it proved sufficient to secure the points.

After player-of-the-match Kelly Chesterton and Nicki Brown both tested the Brighouse keeper from distance early on, the West Yorkshire side forged ahead after neat inter-play on the break in the 20th minute.

York were then forced into two substitutions with Becca Dawson replacing an unwell Beth Clayton in the centre of midfield and Helen Winterburn introduced for Ashley Brack, who was struggling with a groin injury.

Neither substitution disrupted York's forward surge as they hunted a leveller.

Megan Bramham twice went close to equalising before the break, hitting a post and also forcing the Brighouse keeper into an outstanding save after being teed up by Chesterton.

More visiting pressure was applied in the second half with Jazz Whitwell denied by another top-class save.

The whole defence from Sam Knight in goal, to the back four of Sara Renfrew, Josie Hewson, Abbi Webster and Winterburn, were safely tidying up any attacks and prevented any further home efforts.

York’s midfield of Brown, Dawson, Ellie Randall and Whitwell also worked hard getting the ball up to Jess Barnes and Chesterton in an attempt to get the equaliser their team deserved but despite stern pressure from York the breakthrough proved elusive.

So in a bitter lesson, York discovered that nine-tenths of possession does not guarantee victory with Brighouse securing the points with just one effort on goal.