Northallerton Town Women hosted Redcar Athletic Ladies in the North Riding Women’s Premier Division. A waterlogged main pitch meant the game was played at our home venue but on an unfamiliar surface.

A first half where Town never really got going, chances at both ends with Redcar having the best, missing an open goal 10 minutes in, forgiving her one hair raising slip Rachael Whitaker was outstanding in tough conditions for a goalkeeper, pulling off several outstanding saves to keep a first half clean sheet and the team in the tie. Shots from Hannah Bowe, Beth Costick & Amy Ross all saved by the Redcar GK.

Rachael was not the only one slipping on the sticky surface as several players found it tough going, none more so than the Town midfield who ran their legs off on a tricky surface.

Second half the tempo lifted as both teams pushed for a winner. Redcar took the lead from a corner, an initial save wasn’t cleared and the ball was fumbled in. 0-1 Redcar.

Town women never go down without a fight and pushed for an equaliser, the return of Hannah Stephenson was a welcome sight, unfortunately she left her shooting boots at home so had to borrow a pair.

With 20 mins left tough tackling midfielder Jess Pattison was brought down just outside the box (apparently), the free kick was lofted into the box by returning defender Brogan Wood but the header couldn’t find the target.

Moments later Redcar doubled their lead, a speculative effort that moved mid flight was parried by Whitaker and the Redcar striker was first to react firing into an open net. 0-2 Redcar.

Town never gave up and despite Redcar doing their best to kill the flow of the game with delaying tactics Town clawed on back, a clearance from Eva Jordan found Hannah Bowe who burst towards the half way line for the umpteenth time, she sent a great through ball chased by Stephenson, got there the same time as the Redcar GK, fortuitous bounce and Stephenson crossed to Bowe who fired home from 6 yards. 1-2.

A great effort but the Ladies never got going.

Managers player of the match went to Rachael Whitaker the young GK was excellent, keeping Town in the game and brave in the save when called upon.
Well done Rachael, what a first season you are having!

The ladies now face Guisborough in back to back games Away on the 8th and Home on the 15th December.