THE University of York Women’s Football teams opened their British University and Colleges Sport campaigns in contrasting styles.

In BUCS Football Northern 1A, the first team lost 4-1 at Northumbria University II.

The hosts took an early lead through a powerful strike from the edge of the area, which was soon doubled as their striker powerfully volleyed a long ball into the top corner.

York responded well to going behind, and were rewarded just before half-time.

A great team move set up Georgia Evans to cross in for Gabby Killen, who slotted home from just inside the box.

The visitors battled in the second period, but Northumbria proved too strong and scored twice more, first from a set-piece and then a well-worked team move from open play.

First team coach Jon Cotterill believed there were positives to take from the team’s performance.

He said: “It was a really tough fixture against a strong and powerful side, but I thought we held our own defensively for the majority of the game.”

In Northern 4B, Maddi Cannell scored a brace to give the second side a 2-1 win at home to University of Leeds III.

Her first was a phenomenal chip into the top right corner of the net, while her second was a strike from outside the box into the bottom left.

A late Leeds goal set up a nervy finish, but the defensive work from Charlotte Arnd and keeper Alice Noel kept the visitors at bay.

Coach Julie Tate praised the team’s performance, saying: “It’s a great start to the season. The team grafted hard and fully deserved the three points.”