Harrogate Railway Ladies have become the West Riding league cup champions, beating Tingly Reserves 4-1 in a very thrilling and fast cup final.
From the start Tingly went at Railway with a game plan to play as fast as possible and make an early break through, this they achieved well as after only 4 minutes they broke down the right side got in a perfect cross that was headed in to the top left corner, 0-1.This did not make Railway panic but only showed where the Tingly’s strength was, on the break, so for the next 25 minutes the game was played at a great pace and Railway hit the cross bar once and a ball cleared off the line as the equalizer was sought after. Rails centre back, Jenny Hudleston (player off the match) was in top form making some very strong and important tackles, it was Skipper Ali Purvis who became the provider on 35 minutes, delivering a peach of a cross from the right clearing the defenders and finding the foot of Louis Donnelly to strike home a left foot shot into the bottom corner, 1-1. Railway were starting to get control of the game by now and when the half time whistle came it was Tingly that were relieved and ready for a re-group.
Unfortunately Railways half time break didn’t do them any favours as yet again they were slow to start and Tingly created some great chances forcing two saves from Rails keeper in 6 minutes, Railway sorted themselves out quickly from these scares and put great pressure on the Tingly defence. Chloe Elphick (centre Midd) won the ball, passed out wide right to Nicola Hadley who in turn crossed in for Jodi Hodgson to volley from 18yards out to make it 2-1. The tempo was picked up again by both teams but it was Railway that was having the best of passing and moving, showing the younger team their seniority and passing skills. As Tingly started to tire Railway opened up the defensive back line and after 76 minutes Dee Swales broke down the left beat the defender and slotted the ball past the keeper, 3-1. This goal pretty much killed of Tingly and Railway passed the ball around from one side to the other and on the 88th minute Dee became the provider for Nicola Hadley to score a well deserved goal, 4-1.
So Railway become the first to win both the Premiere League and the League cup, a truly fantastic achievement and now look forward to a new challenge in the North East Regional Women’s Football League. A Massive thanks go to all the supporters that travelled to Ossett to cheer them on and also the team sponsor Skipton Road Garage.
The Railway Ladies are always looking for more players to play, for more info please contact Simon on 07740591697
Congratulations on winning the League and Cup Final and all the best for your promotion to the next level.
Regards
Julie Chapman
Tingley Athletic Reserves