CITY of York ladies showed their battling qualities during a 2-1 home defeat to Neston South Wirrall in the Women’s North Hockey League premier division.

York found themselves under the cosh for the opening 35 minutes as their visitors stormed into a two-goal lead.

However, the hosts were determined to make Jenna Gallagher's final game – after six years at York – a memorable one.

Player of the match Gallagher instigated repeated attacks on the Neston defence, with York forcing numerous saves from their keeper.

The away side defended resolutely until the 55th minute when their central defender was sin-binned for a rash challenge.

York took advantage and were rewarded with a goal when Millie Barnes hammered the ball across the face of the Neston goal for Hannah Smith to net at the far post.

York kept up the pressure until the final whistle, but couldn't force an equaliser.

City of York IIs had a weekend double-header – drawing 3-3 with table-topping Thirsk before thrashing Airedale 5-0.

At Thirsk, both teams tried to assert their dominance early on, but the score remained level until a breakaway by the hosts. Defender Faith Civico got her feet in the way of the eventual shot and a penalty stroke was awarded, which was converted.

Thirsk doubled their advantage from a well-worked short corner routine, to lead 2-0 at the break.

Into the second half, Fay Chapman exchanged passes with Kelly Hunter before pulling a goal back for the visitors.

However, another excellent short corner from Thirsk saw them re-establish their two-goal lead.

York soon replied from a short corner of their own – Corinne Wray deflecting in after great work by Heather Macdonald.

And the equaliser came when Hunter's shot rebounded off the post, and Vicky Skilton netted the rebound.

York IIs closed off a successful weekend with a dominant 5-0 victory over Airedale 1s.

Skilton's first goal came early on after some excellent teamwork through the York midfield and forwards.

Lily Rowntree touched in the second after a dart-like pass from Hunter across the goal.

Chapman then earned a penalty flick, which was slotted home by Rowntree, who added her third goal shortly after.

Nearing the final whistle, York were awarded another penalty flick, which was finished by Skilton to complete the rout.

City of York IIIs played Airedale on Saturday, losing 3-1 at home in the Women's Yorkshire League premier division.

Emily Cooper scored York's solitary goal and was voted player of the match.

In division one, City of York IVs were defeated 4-2 by visiting Kingston-upon-Hull.

One of Hull's attacks led to a goal midway through the first half. York responded soon after with a goal by Laura Ramli, who worked effectively with Rebecca Feetenby in a speedy breakaway.

However, Hull managed to put away two more goals before half-time.

Into the second half, Feetenby finished off an excellent short corner to give York some hope.

But the hosts were unable to make their possession pay, and conceded a fourth Hull goal ten minutes from time.

In division four north, York Vs travelled to Batley, who took the upper hand through a hard strike and added another goal before half-time.

York finally woke up when Batley added a third after the break, with beautiful passing setting up Nicola Winter for a dive and a goal. Batley added a further two goals to win 5-1.

City of York VIs were beaten 5-1 by Cleckheaton in their game in the same division.

Holly Davies was their sole scorer on a day when York were unlucky not to add one or two more goals.

* York's Badgers contested a hard-fought 0-0 match against Bradford at home.

Despite the goal-less scoreline, the encounter was full of attacking play from both sides.