YORK City Ladies have pulled off a major coup by re-signing defender Josie Hewson from Women's Premier League club Guiseley Vixens.

The right-back made over 80 appearances during four seasons with the Minsterbelles until moving to then newly-promoted Brighouse Town 12 months ago.

She played 11 times for the West Yorkshire side before signing for Guiseley in January, making 10 appearances as the Vixens stormed to the Northern Division One title. She has since featured twice this season in the WPL, the division immediately below the elite Women's Super League.

Highly-rated keeper Chloe Precious and winger Jazz Whitwell have also recently returned to the club, while manager Adie Costello has signed promising winger Anna Whitehead, 18, who scored once in eight appearances for City's reserves last season, and midfielder Rachel Humble, 19, both from Pocklington.

Hewson was not back in time to play in City's season-opener - a 1-0 North East Regional Women's League Cup first round win over Boro Rangers Ladies at Haxby Road.

Skipper Kayleigh Davis scored the winner from the rebound after her 58th-minute penalty was saved, young debutant Sophie Tinson having been pushed inside the area.

Striker Tinson, who rattled in 21 goals for City's reserves last season, had earlier gone close to a first senior goal when her effort from Alice Turner's cross hit the keeper at point-blank range.

Recently-promoted Boro were strong throughout and, with the wind in their favour in the first half, regularly tested outstanding City centre-backs Gemma Croft and Abbi Webster.

But with Beth Clayton particularly effective in midfield, the Minsterbelles pushed on forcibly after the break and produced a number of openings - finally scoring when experienced campaigner Davis converted following keeper Phoebe Townsend's initial save.

Boro chased an equaliser, with the home defence regularly forced to clear their lines and City also indebted to young keeper Leigh Bamford for a trio of excellent late saves. Her one-on-one save from Rangers newcomer Suzanne Fox sealing her player-of-the-match award.

The Belles, who still have a number of experienced players to call upon, next entertain either Blyth Lions or Boldon CA Villa in the second round.

York City Ladies: Leigh Bamford, Grace Foyer, Gemma Croft, Abbi Webster, Helen Winterburn, Sara Renfrew, Kayleigh Davis, Beth Clayton, Ellie Regan, Sophie Tinson, Megan Bramham. Subs: Alice Turner, Charlie Shaw, Lindsay Jordan.