Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The game began in high spirits, with both teams realising the importance of the match. The home side looked the weaker of the two teams in the first 15 minutes. St. John came close to scoring a number of times, and Uni's goalie was forced to pull off some excellent saves to keep her team in the game. After some initial scares, however, Uni began to get their game together. Hannah Mitchell worked tirelessly in midfield and made some excellent tackles to ensure the St.John goal was peppered with shots. Despite the turn around of pressure, the scoreline stayed at 0-0 until the half time whistle blew.
The second half began much brighter for the home side. Ellie Luther made some blinding runs up the left wing, with one ending in a well-struck shot that deflected into the goal to give the home side the advantage they deserved. Uni were looking strong, the opposition being pushed back into their own half by a dominant attack. The next goal came relatively quickly. Ellie Luther again hit the backboard in a scrambled effort right in front of goal. 2-0 up and Uni looked to be cruising.
However, St.John were quick in their response with two goals of their own, again in quick succession. Their first goal came from a run down the middle of the pitch, St.John's centre mid dribbling round a number of players to give them an opening which they duly took. A lucky hit out made its way through a number of University players to latch onto a lone St.John striker, who thumped the ball into the back of the net.
The game ended in controversy with St.John threatening to appeal against the 2-2 scoreline. A Uni player had substituted onto the pitch for the last minute of the game not wearing the correct kit. Though nothing significant happened and St.John's, as quoted by a bystander, "were never going to score", they still threatened to appeal. It put a taint on what had been, up till then, a relatively calm and well played game.
Next week the 2nds play Teeside away from home, and are hoping the return of captain Lizzie Hollins from injury will boost them to another away win.
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