AFTER some disappointing results over the past fortnight, Thackley Ladies bounced back in the West Riding County Women's League Cup with a 4-1 home win against Lower Hopton, a team they had previously beaten 6-3 in the league.

The visitors had the better start and nearly took a surprise lead in the first few minutes with a shot that hit the crossbar.

Thackley began to press forward thereafter and carved out the better chances. One fell to Lois Cooper, who should have scored when one-on-one with the keeper, but she placed her shot wide.

The deadlock was finally broken after 30 minutes. Cooper made up for her miss, chipping the ball over the keeper to make it 1-0 to the Dennygirls.

A few moments later a fantastic delivery from Annie Nicol was headed into the net by Taylor Rushworth to double Thackley's lead.

The hosts were starting the pick up the pace, with Lower Hopton pressing less and dropping their intensity.

They were made to pay just before half time when in-form Meg Butterworth dribbled from the centre circle past a few players, performed a one-two with Cooper, and expertly placed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 at the break.

The second half saw less chances for the home team, but still plenty of possession.

Their fourth goal of the game came in the 75th minute following a goalmouth scramble. The ball was cleared outside the box to captain Kath Connell, whose first time shot flew over the keeper and into the net.

Thackley’s defence remained strong throughout the game. They restricted the visitors to very few chances, but when required, goalkeeper Georgia Simpson made some fine saves.

In the last ten minutes, the home team started to tire, which meant Lower Hopton began to creep back into the game.

Thackley’s resolute defence had one moment of fatigue, which the visitors exploited. A corner was not properly dealt with and the opposition player drilled the ball low into the bottom corner.

It mattered little in the end, with the final score 4-1 to Thackley, who progress comfortably into the next round.