Harrogate Railway Ladies

from Harrogate Railway Past Programme

Club Round-up

RAILWAY LADIES

Harrogate Railway v Brighouse Town

Railway Ladies opened up their pre-season campaign against a very talented Brighouse side, who only just missed out on promotion from the North East Premier League in 14/15.

Within the first 5 minutes Railway were up against it with the opposition spreading play & controlling the tempo for fun. Railway were sluggish and only the desire of player of the match Jenny Huddleston kept them at bay with endless tackles.

However on the 15th minute mark a slick bit of play from Brighouse’s back line led to their striker finding the ball on the edge of the Railway box and curling a fine shot in the bottom corner. Railway endeavored to get back into the game but Brighouse were relentless in their power, composure and ability which shone through and6 left Railway 3-0 at the break.

Railway regrouped for the second half and a fine string of saves from Charlotte Donnelly kept the score at 3. However on the 75th minute Brighouse again displayed their class with a well worked move down the left which left the Rail keeper helpless to stop a screamer in the top left hand corner. Overall a stern test for Railway but a great display of fitness which will bode well for the rest of pre-season.

Hemsworth Ladies v Harrogate Railway Ladies

Railway Ladies traveled to Hemsworth for their second pre-season game with quite a few debutantes who have joined for the 15/16 campaign. Railway started fast and some intricate play from the right hand side involving Nicola Hadley and Lauren Taylor before the ball fell to Sheridan Douglas who smashed the ball home from 12 yards.

Railway didn’t stop there and Louise Donnelly creatively created some space and played in Sandra Clarke who outpaced the opposing defender before placing her shot against the post, only for skipper Ali Purvis to tap in. Hemsowrth could not cope with the pressure and strength displayed by Railway and in the 40th minute a pin point corner found Lauren Taylor’s head and the ball flew into the top corner.

Hemsworth rallied and a bizarre long kick confused the Rail keeper which bounced over her head into the top corner - Half Time 1-3. Railway came out in the 2nd half with a message to use the ball better and they sure did that with some impressive play involving many players. It wasn’t long before the ball’s again found Sheridan ‘s foot after clever midfield play between Jade Holt, Nic Hadley and Chloe Elphick and Sheridan again showed her composure in slotting home.

Hemsworth again pressed the Rail defense and despite the best efforts of the back 4 a penalty was conceded from a late tackle and Hemsworth scored. By this time Chloe Chrombie was causing chaos down the left and her ability led to a cross come scramble where Hemsworth handled on the line on for Chloe Elphick to dispatch the spot kick.

All in all a good day for Railway with many players impressing. The Ladies move on to a tournament on Sunday 16th in Tingley with fitness, good football, fun and hopefully a medal all on the cards!