City of York Ladies got off to a poor start in their North League campaign, losing 5-2 at home to Sheffield, whose main threat was from penalty corners.

In a flurry of early goals, York went 4-1 down in the first quarter, despite the encouragement of Pam Dear's opener after good work by Sally Sleightholme.

York improved with no further scoring until the final minutes when Sheffield added their fifth. Heather Stafford gave York some consolation, scoring from a penalty corner right on time.

In Yorkshire League division one, City of York Ladies II opened with a sound 3-0 win at Doncaster III.

After Helen Smith gave York a first-half advantage, Sophie Watson and Laura Bellerby made the game safe after the break. 'Keeper Lauren Shuttleworth safely dealt with Doncaster's raids.

Although York's division four development side lacked the steadying influence of several seniors and lost 9-0 to Old John's I, there were good debuts by Fay Garland, Sophie Hunter and Lauren Boddison.

Goalkeeper Sam Buckley excelled as City of York IV won 3-1 at Slazengers III in division five with goals from Sarah Hughes (2) and Becky Copperthwaite.