CITY of York Ladies recovered from a 4-0 half-time deficit to go within one goal of earning a point at home to opening Northern Premier League opponents Durham University II.

New coach Paul Evans gave debuts to Hannah Smith, Frances Livera, Phil Jalland and Alice Wilson.

After a disappointing first half, five minutes into the restart, a quick move down the left saw Alice Wilson brought down for a penalty flick that Emily Gee converted.

Laura Horne then converted a penalty corner at the near post before Gee netted from another penalty flick.

York went on to apply pressure, but a relieved Durham held on for maximum points.

Strong defending by City of York III’s Vicky Thornton, Jacqui Birch and Faith Civico kept stable-mates York II at bay, before the latter went in front through Vicky Skilton.

New keeper Catherine Whitlock made some solid saves to keep York III in the game and a fantastic strike from player-of-the-match Jess Shearer levelled the scores, only for Corinne Wray to decide matters in the seconds’ favour.

City of York V, meanwhile, overcame, the club’s VI team 9-1 with player-of-the-match Lucy Tate (3), Lucy Jones (3), Maisy Lawrence (2) and Rachel Hildreth all on target.

In Yorkshire Men’s League division two, Tadcaster forged into a 2-0 lead against Acomb, who began to improve with a number of right-wing attacks and crosses by Dave Brown and man-of-the-match Ryan Smith.

The pressure led to a short corner, which saw Baz Whitfield tee up Jamie Robinson for a hard-struck goal.

In the second half, Tadcaster extended their lead early on and, despite Stuart Baxter spraying passes all over to the forward line, Robinson, Matt Dickenson and Pete Hilton all came close, but to no avail.

Whitfield, though, scored a reverse sweep goal after waiting at the top of the D at a cleared penalty corner

Acomb went on to draw level when Dickenson slotted home, but Tadcaster broke away to then secure a 4-3 triumph.