Revival far too late to save Blyth from losing
NORTH EAST REGIONAL WOMEN’S LEAGUE NORTHERN DIVISION
TWO first-half goals gave York RI the points against Blyth, but they had to survive a second-half onslaught before securing a 2-1 success.
The reverse fixture saw York RI come back from 4-1 down to win 5-4 and the visitors continued from where they left off - looking comfortable in the first half.
The match was played at Bedlington Terriers’ ground and York went 2-0 up as Abbie Bonner and Jodie Langstaff both found the target.
It should have been 3-0 at the break but Tehillah Ndhlovu missed a clear-cut chance when through on goal.
Blyth’s best efforts of the half came from Lauren Robson and Sarah Burn, who both shot wide.
The introduction of Terri Nielsen was a catalyst for Blyth’s performance from then on.
She spurred the hosts on as they camped inside their visitors half for the second 45 minutes - but managed only a solitary goal for their efforts.
Nielsen spurned three chances, including slicing wide when unfortunately losing her balance after beating the goalkeeper to the ball.
Burn and Robson both went close on two occasions, Robson going the nearest - hitting the angle of the crossbar - before Blyth finally found the net 20 minutes into the half.
Following a corner headed away, Josie Foster hit a powerful effort from outside the box which was charged down - the ball falling for Rebecca Henry, who blasted home from inside the box.
Hannah Coatham had a shot blocked and Nielsen, who was a constant threat to the visitors’ defence, was denied again as Blyth battered York in searching for the elusive equaliser.
York were happy to hear the final whistle, withstanding constant pressure and holding on to take the points and stay up with the leading pack.
Boldon CA Villa finally resumed their title campaign with a 5-0 home victory over Guisborough.
Kay Mills netted a hat-trick in Boldon’s first league match of the year.
Melissa Simpson and Allison Ferris were also on target for the South Tynesiders, who closed the gap to five points on leaders South Shields.
Cramlington United’s first win of the season moved them off the bottom - they triumphed 4-1 at home to Prudhoe Town.
Rachel Best, Georgia Lyall, Chloe Roylance and Emma Graham all scored for the hosts before Catherine Johnstone nabbed a consolation effort a minute from time.
The result now leaves Guisborough propping up the table, a point behind Cramlington, who moved level on points with Prudhoe.
Blyth are three points clear of their Northumberland rivals, but have played more games.
The weather enabled South Shields to stay top as the big match between third-placed Boro Rangers and second-placed Consett was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.