Airedale Ladies II 1 Northallerton II 5

MISSING their usual defensive line-up, Airedale endured a torrid first half but an interval reshuffle saw a much improved second period.

Lindsey Carey stepped in as goalkeeper and Katherine Bird and Katie Barber supported in defence. Northallerton took full advantage of the unorganised defence and opened the scoring within the first minute.

Another three goals followed in quick succession before a weak Airedale hit-out was intercepted by a Northallerton player, who made the scoreline 5-0 by half-time.

Captain Nic Heeley rallied her team during half-time and made some positional changes. The revised structure made a massive difference in the second half.

Airedale were looking the stronger team, channelling well up both wings. Bird and Heeley worked well together up the left and Katie Armitage and Sam Fawcett owned the right.

Carey continued to make impressive saves in goal. Adele Haughey was brought into defence and alongside Bird, Georgina Mumby and Kitty Blake, they held firm with an abundance of clearances and well-timed tackles.

Midway through the second half a ball was intercepted by Haughey, who found Fawcett on the right wing. She made a spectacular run up the pitch and finished it with a perfectly-timed cross into the D.

Libby Marsh picked up the pass and slotted it past the Northallerton goalkeeper.