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University of York 2nds 1 – 2 University of Sheffield 3rds
York knew from the outset that Sheffield, a league higher than their team, would prove a difficult match. However, with support from Captain Kate Dewar, UYHC president Sophie Hossack and York Sport President Emily Scott, York had the skills and ability to present a significant challenge to the visitors.
From the outset, York dominated the game. With a solid defence from newly recruited freshers and an impenetrable press, York kept the ball in the attacking half. A superb performance by Woman of the Match Scott helped prevent Sheffield from even passing the centre line. In fact, neither team had goal opportunities in the first half, a testament to York’s ability to rise to the challenge of an obviously tough game.
The start of the second half saw York eager to score. Sophie Williams’ remarkable strike was an unfortunate near miss. And immediately afterwards, a lucky break from Sheffield almost led to a goal, but the shot narrowly went the wrong side of the post, leaving the score at 0 - 0.
Sheffield rapidly created another opportunity, but yet again lacked the ability to put the ball in the goal with another wide shot. York’s impressively strong defence kept Sheffield under pressure with tight shadowing and accurate clearances by Sally Warrington and Rachel Knighton.
Unhappy with the umpire’s decisions on stick tackles, Sheffield’s strikers began to crumble, unable to rival York’s sportsmanlike dignified play. A strong shot from Sammi Spencer nearly put York in the lead, but York were unable to secure a goal.
Never demoralised, Williams’ well executed strike soared through Sheffield’s defence, but again failed to give York the goal it needed. York’s midfields continued to create ample opportunities and finally Spencer took her chance. Dribbling the ball right past two defenders, a strong strike rewarded York with the goal they deserved.
But Sheffield remained optimistic, immediately passing the ball across the pitch and eventually into the ‘D’, and only a great save by York’s ‘goalie keeper kept the score at 1-0. With a continued flurry of shots, Sheffield managed to slip the ball through the legs of the ‘keeper with a flukey goal which brought the score to 1 - 1.
Nearing the end of the game, Sheffield won a short corner which had the potential to undermine York’s sterling performance. Initially kept out by York’s defence, Sheffield passed the ball between their well-positioned attackers to knock in their second goal of the game.
Morale still high, York continued to try and take the upper hand in the game. Unfortunately with the clock ticking, York struggled to create goal-scoring chances and the game ended 2-1 to Sheffield.
But York had held their own throughout the game and given tough competition to a team a league higher themselves. UYHC president Sophie Hossack commented, “We can definitely take a lot of positives from this match, we raised our game and played a high standard of hockey, just sometimes you need Lady Luck on your side too.”
Teamsheet: Amy Hazlehurst (GK), Harriet Nicholls, Sally Warrington, Rachel Knighton, Sophie Hossack, Kate Dewar, Emily Scott, Cat Johnson, Freya Wigzell, Sophie Williams, Sammi Spencer, Jess Bonham, Mira Wolf.
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