Northallerton welcomed Linthorpe Academicals in the North Riding Women’s Premier League with Town sitting on 4th and Linthorpe one place above in 3rd. A game that would be physically testing with the hard ground and wind.

Straight from KO Town piled on the pressure with no less than 4 shots between the two Hannah’s (Stephenson & Bowe) and claims for what looked a stonewall penalty waved away after Stephenson was bundled off the ball; the strong striker somehow staying on her feet, possibly to her detriment.

Despite the great start it was Linthorpe who scored first, 20 mins played and a mix up at the back left Linthorpe 1v1 with Lydia Stephenson, Town trailing 1-0.

Town continued to dominate possession and create chance after chance, resulting in near misses, great saves and a series of corners. Just after the half hour mark, Ruth Jeal delivered a perfectly placed corner for Lauren Howard to head home levelling the scores, 1-1.

A frustration creeping into the match as Town seemingly not getting any decisions from the man in the middle; a further penalty shout waved away for a challenge on Stephenson.

5 mins from half time and against the run of play Linthorpe regained the lead, a free kick that wasn’t a penalty in the box at the other end led to a cross that somehow found its way all the way through to the Linthorpe striker who knocked in from about 3 yards out.

Half Time - Linthorpe somehow leading 2-1.

A few changes made at HT to rest some weary legs and bring renewed energy to the middle of the pitch.

Town dug deep and pushed for goals, Emily Metcalfe making an immediate impact down the right and coming close in the opening couple of minutes, it felt like a matter of when rather than if an equaliser would come.

Stephenson and Bowe knocked on the door with several promising attacks provided via some composed build up and well placed passes from the hard working quintet of midfielders Howard, Metcalfe, Pattison, Boynton and Ross, many of these promising attacks thwarted by the ref rather than the Linthorpe defence.

On 64 mins Howard’s perfectly weighted pass put Stephenson through, powerful drive and finish left Defender and GK in a heap, this time the referee signalled goal and Town were level.

Town were brave and bold and pushed for more, taking chances that allowed Linthorpe the occasional counter attack, but the Town defence held firm, led by Captain Abbey Walker and an outstanding display by Eva Jordan at both Right Back and Centre Back.

Unfortunately the winner never came and despite a performance worthy of a win, it ended honours even.

Full Time - Town 2 - Linthorpe 2.

Managers Player this week is shared by Eva Jordan whose blistering pace, great decision making and confident build up play was exceptional. Lauren Howard shares the accolade for her huge contribution with not only a goal and an assist but a composed and controlling playmaker performance in the Holding Mid role, positionally perfect and great communication for the full 90.

Well done Eva and Lauren ?

Eva is sponsored by Mark Roberts Engineering Ltd.
Lauren is sponsored by Hambleton Roofing & Scaffolding.