A SENSATIONAL hat-trick from Sophie Tinson helped York City Ladies break free of the FA Women's National League division one north relegation zone, with a crucial 3-0 victory over Chester le Street Town.

The Minsterbelles leapfrogged Chester le Street to escape the relegation zone with three matches remaining, with Chris Holloway's side cruising to a comfortable victory.

An incredible hat-trick from Tinson aided York to a needed three points, with an early goal setting the precedence for City, as manager Holloway celebrated his first victory as boss, which was played at Pickering Town's Mill Lane.

From the off, Hannah Collins saw her strike rattle the woodwork, with Tinson perfectly positioned to hammer home from close-range, putting York ahead just two minutes in.

Chester le Street goalkeeper Paris Banks was called into action not long later, with the prolific Jess Holder stinging the palms of her counterpart.

Oumou Donzo looked to equalise nine minutes in with an opportunity from distance, but was only able to drag the strike well wide of Becky Sidwell's goal.

Donzo again caused the Minsterbelles problems, breaking through on goal before forcing Sidwell into a superb save from close-range.

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A match boasting action then allowed Holder to attempt an audacious free-kick, but her effort drifted narrowly over Banks' crossbar.

Holder was again denied by Banks when meeting a teasing cross from Tinson, but the York attacker couldn't beat the goalkeeper who made an impressive low stop.

City had one final chance before the break after Holder brilliantly turned her maker before curling an effort goalwards, but was frustrated to see her effort fizz harmlessly wide.

Heading into the second-half, York's Elisha Hardcastle and Holder were both denied by another two impressive saves from Banks, who was keeping Chester le Street within the contest.

Another corner from Tinson was flicked into the path of Collins, who was keen to get on the scoresheet, but her strike fell narrowly over the crossbar.

The Minsterbelles had enjoyed the match and were in control, but were eager to find that second goal to instate some breathing room into their performance.

And Tinson provided just that, again positioned perfectly to follow up another Holder strike, which was parried again by Banks, with Tinson in space to smash home her second of the contest.

Two quickly became three with one minute of normal time remaining, with Tinson rushing into the box to meet Ocean Rolandsen's low cross, allowing the City starlet to complete her hat-trick.

Manager Holloway was delighted with a crucial three points, telling the club media team: "From start to finish, the girls played fantastic and stuck to the game plan.

"To a person, they threw everything at it, even the girls that were on the bench today had positivity all the way through.

"In the end it was a fantastic win.

"We've had it against us in recent weeks where opposition have scored early, but Soph has worked her socks off in training and has just not had her reward.

"Off of the back of her nasty injury, she has worked hard to get back and I am so happy for her.

"It's been a long time coming, we've worked all week in training, we've stuck to different game plans and we knew what Chester le Street are and the passion they bring.

"Even at 2-0 you were praying that you didn't want to watch! But when the third went in, it was a great feeling."

YORK CITY LADIES: Sidwell, Jeffels, Cattle, Brown, Collins, Hardcastle (Gibbs, 69), Brierley, Ash, Holder, Rolandsen, Tinson

Subs not used: Gore, Hemmings, Duffield, Lendhill

Attendance: 160