NORTH Yorkshire put up a brave display against Sheffield United before bowing out 4-2 in the first round of the inaugural FA Girls’ under-17 Centre of Excellence Youth Cup.

Rachael Ackroyd bagged a brace for the York College-based side in a keenly-contested home encounter but it was United who won through to the second round.

The hosts had started the match in confident fashion, having already beaten their opponents 4-1 on the opening day of the league season.

Player-of-the-match Hope Knight tormented the United defence in the early exchanges and her cross from the left enabled Ackroyd to open the scoring from 12 yards.

North Yorkshire continued to dominate with Chelsea Calvert and Sophie Varley controlling midfield but Sheffield drew level in fortunate circumstances.

Striker Katy Smith hit a post and goalkeeper Lauren Coleman had little chance after the ball hit her on the knee and bounced over the line.

That provided the visitors with a spark and, after a spell of pressure during which Jade Smart and Georgia Marsden defended well, a tremendous 25-yard shot by midfielder Beth Jones gave the Blades a 2-1 lead.

The second half saw Knight working hard to provide strikers Katie Duckworth and Ackroyd with shooting chances that forced the away ’keeper into good saves.

But Sheffield broke away from a home corner to increase their lead and a fourth goal put the outcome beyond doubt before Knight provided another cross for Ackroyd to score a late consolation.

North Yorkshire U17s’ coach Keith Fryers said afterwards: “Two quick goals after the break gave us a mountain to climb. I am very proud of the effort and teamwork from the players. We will now have to concentrate on the league.”

Technical director and former York City striker Gordon Staniforth, left, added: “The game was a wonderful display of fast, crisp football played to win and progress.”

For more information about the North Yorkshire Girls Centre, which coaches players from the ages of seven to 17, phone Staniforth on 07946 532385 or email gstaniforth@yorkcollege.ac.uk, or Gail Colling on 07870 170251 or at gail@gailcolling.orangehome.co.uk