Page 27 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.33 2022-23

Knaresborough were formed in Summer 2022 and having had a number of open trials, managed to
only fit in one pre-season friendly game before the start of the league campaign. They were placed in
the West Riding County Women’s Football League Division Four, alongside a number of other newly
formed teams – including Bradford City U21s, and close neighbours Harrogate Railway Women
Reserves.
Their first game was away against an experienced team – Field AFC Ladies, a game that they ran
out 7-0 winners and provided us with a key indication that our ambitious recruitment policy seemed
to be correct.
The first key game came towards the end of the season at home to Field AFC Ladies. Field were
pushing for promotion and on a wonderful long run of wins that had catapulted them up the table to
the top three places. The game was a tense affair, in which Knaresborough took the lead in the second
half. Field equalised near the end of the game and it looked like the unblemished record was in
trouble. However, a free kick just outside the area in the closing minutes of the game was converted
by Beth Padget to take back the lead. This was followed up by a further goal in the final seconds to
earn them three points and continue their winning run.
The final game was away at Bradford City U21s, a game that would decide who would be
Champions. A fantastic game, played in hot conditions, against a lovely passing and skilful Bradford
City team. This was the closest of all the games Knaresborough had been involved in this season, but
it was won by the narrowest of margins (1-0) with a goal from a free kick, taken on Knaresborough’s
right wing. Taken by Polly Asquith-Brown, her free kick was into the heart of the City penalty box,
causing havoc and ultimately deflected just past the Bradford keeper. A free kick awarded on the edge
of the area in the dying seconds of the game and season caused worry but goalkeeper Ella Ritchie
dived to save the on target shot and the referee blew the whistle, confirming that Knaresborough were
champions.
The team had gone through the season unbeaten with maximum points, a goal difference of +155,
conceding only eight goals, and six players in the top 12 top scorers in the league – including Lorna
Wilkinson who is the Division Four golden boot winner with 34 goals from 12 games in the league
(and leading scorer with 38 from 15 games in all competitions in Division 4 as well).
Manager is Mike Bligh and his assistant is Austen Taylor. Club captain is Grace Adams and
vice-captain is Sarah Parkes. Every player has contributed to the results on the pitch, and it is
impossible to single out individuals that have had more of an influence on winning the title than others.
It is also important to say that parent club, Knaresborough Town, have been so important with
the support that they have shown the women’s team over its inaugural season. They’ve welcomed
them completely and they play home games on the same ground at Manse Lane. Knaresborough
Town Chairman, Peter Plews and President, Paul Howard have supported the management team
completely and helped the women’s team to integrate with the existing club during the first year in
existence. Photo - Caught Light Photography Ltd

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