MAKESHIFT striker Megan Bramham scored twice as York City Ladies secured a 4-1 victory in their early kick-off at bottom club Boldon Ladies.

Jess Barnes and Nikki Brown were also on target to move the visitors fourth in the table ahead of the later games, although subsequent triumphs for Wallsend Boys Club Ladies and Tynedale meant that was only for a limited duration.

The Minsterbelles were finally back in action following a month of inactivity caused by some recent postponements.

But once again they were restricted to only 22 travelling players due to their two leading goalscorers, Lucy Lendhill and Ellie Regan, withdrawing through illness.

Nevertheless, York went in front courtesy of Bramham's sixth goal of the campaign – and first since hitting a double in the superb 2-1 victory at otherwise unbeaten Norton & Stockton Ancients in December.

She had been required to lead a rather depleted looking attack and suitably responded by crashing the ball into the top corner after a free-kick.

That was improved upon when the versatile Barnes – recently back to her more usual defensive role having appeared in goal for most of the season – doubled the lead when breaking from halfway and curling into the corner.

Boldon had finally achieved their first league win of the campaign at the expense of Wakefield last time out, and reduced the deficit after the break with an unstoppable finish past Sam Knight from outside the box.

Bramham duly restored the two-goal advantage in the 65th minute when Brown was initially thwarted by the goalkeeper. She also had another goal ruled out for handball after Ruth Brazier had supplied the cross.

The Belles went on to add a fourth goal in stoppage-time, with midfielder Brown grabbing her first of the season following newcomer and player of the game Jess Cooke's splendid defence-splitting pass.

"We're obviously happy with the result and performance after so many free weeks," said player-manager Brazier.

"It was a tough pitch to play on, very heavy and boggy, so it took us a while to get going but I think we were the better team and deserved the three points. "There were some great individual performances, particularly Jess Cooke at right-back playing only her second game for us and getting player of the game."

York City Ladies Reserves were without a league fixture and instead had a friendly against the University of York, which was abandoned on 25 minutes after City winger Lindsay Jordan suffered a dislocated shoulder.