NOT even an Issy Rowe hattrick could inspire York City Ladies to a win at Morley Spurs.

Rowe changed the game last week after coming on as a sub and was again the key presence in City's North East Regional Women's League premier division clash.

But a physical Morley mustered more in the goals department as they won 5-3.

The seventh minute brought the first Morley strike but a neat ball by Kim Armstrong after a goalkeeping error fed Rowe for the equaliser.

City started forcing errors among the Morley ranks but a long throw to the Morley striker was missed and she hooked it over the 'keeper for their second before halftime.

A corner was deflected in to make it 3-1 but the Minster Ladies hit back after a surging midfield run by Rowe was ended prematurely by a Morley challenge - and Rowe produced a dipping swerving free-kick to take advantage.

Another corner went uncleared as Morley made it 4-2 but the now typical fighting spirit of the York side saw Rowe transform a loose ball into her hat-trick strike.

Boss Paul Ryan said: "I thought we were unlucky. We competed with a tough physical side and shouldn't be too disheartened.

"It's a tough league that we have stepped up to and we are learning valuable lessons each week.

"If we perform like we did against Morley, we'll win more than we lose."

The Minster Ladies are back in FA Cup action tomorrow with the visit of Steel City Wanderers in the first qualifying round. Kick-off at Oaklands School is at 2pm and all are welcome.

The Reserves will also be on the pitch with an 11am kickoff at home to Cleveland.