Page 7 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.20 2022-23

Division One North
League leaders Durham Cestria did not have a game on Sunday and their advantage has
been trimmed to four points by Newcastle Utd after they defeated York City 4-2. York have
been in good form in recent weeks and this showed during the first half which finished level
at 2-2, but goals from Katie Barker, Millie Bell, Georgia Gibson and Bianca Owens gave
Newcastle three important points, with Holly Findlay and Alice Hughes replying.
Barnsley stay third but were only able to catch up one point on the leaders as they were
held to a goalless draw by Chorley, who maintained their improving form by picking up
another valuable point against high riding opponents.
A win would have returned Stockport County to the top three but they also drew, 1-1
against Norton & Stockton Ancients. Both goals came in the opening eleven minutes,
Sophie Hodgson giving Norton an early lead and County equalising through Ella Ritchie
shortly afterwards.
Leeds Utd played a league match for the first time since 6th November and they made
up for lost time, returning to action with a 5-1 victory over Merseyrail Ladies. Abbie Brown
led the scoring with a hat-trick and she was joined on the scoresheet by Amy Woodruff and
Danielle Whitham, whilst the visitors' consolation came from Sophie Adams.
The points were also shared in the mid-table clash between Hull City and
Middlesbrough, finishing level at 1-1. Katie Thompson was on target for Hull, whilst 'Boro
netted through Emma Foster.
Division One Midlands
Stourbridge finally played a league match for the first time in ten weeks and it was a top of
the table clash against second placed Solihull Moors. The Glassgirls returned with a 1-0
victory, courtesy of a goal just before half time by Niamh Deasy, which sees them maintain
their lead of five points.
Doncaster Rovers Belles occupy second place once again following their own 1-0
win against Leafield Athletic. Sophie Brown scored the only goal of the game, after coming
on as a substitute, as the Belles became the only one of the chasing teams after Stourbridge to
record a victory.
Sporting Khalsa lost ground as they went down to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of
Peterborough Utd. The Posh Women were another team returning to league action after a
number of cup ties but first time goals from Tara Kirk and Kier Perkins saw them record a fine
result.
Northampton Town maintained their good recent form by scoring eight times
without reply against Long Eaton Utd. Alex Dicks led the scoring with a hat-trick whilst Zoe
Boote and Jade Bell both contributed doubles and Rachael Mumford added the other goal.
Sheffield FC climbed out of the bottom two and above Wem Town after winning
their meeting 1-0. An own goal gave Sheffield three valuable points and brought an end to
their run of four straight defeats.
Division One South East
Hashtag Utd further strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 7-1 victory
over one of their nearest rivals, Norwich City. Grace Gillard and Katharine Nutman each
scored twice for the Tags along with Hayley West, Samantha Rowland and Kelly Wealthall
whilst Norwich's consolation came from Olivia Cook.
AFC Wimbledon meanwhile netted twelve times against struggling Hounslow
Women and are now the sole nearest challengers to the leaders. Ashlee Hincks had a great
day in front of goal, scoring seven times in all, whilst Ellie Dorey netted a brace and the others
came from Becki Bath, Kelly Highman and Chloe Sampson.
London Seaward edged out Ashford Town (Middlesex) by the odd goal in seven
and the result takes them up into third place. Katherine Long netted twice for Seaward along
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