Hull mauled the visiting Boro in a hard fought and highly competitive FAWNL Div. 1 North fixture, at the Easy buy.

It was a beautiful weekend, the sort of weather and occasion that makes a mockery of the impending return to school action on the Monday, for players and fans alike. On the pitch it was a team graft, a hattrick from Lynskey and a Hope Knight Penalty that secured the win

The hosts, back at the Easy Buy for the first time since April, made themselves right at home from the off playing some excellent football, and opening up a few early chances. In the opening 15, Ackroyd was found on the edge of the area, she did brilliantly to pin and turn her marker, laying it off for Lynskey who steamed in, and drove home the opening goal

As the heat took its toll it was only natural for both sides to fluctuate in energy levels. As City lowered, Middlesbrough picked it up and had a couple of half openings. Catching a rare gap in the midfield the visitors earned a freekick from range – a well delivered ball to the back post found Beth Guy who headed home the equaliser

Both teams had chances throughout the rest of the half, Wallace having to tip the best of these round the foot of the post, but the sides wet in level at the interval

Second half and the City screw tightened. Whatever it was that kept the tigresses in their cage early, they were released – relaxed. The football improved, moving the ball quickly and effectively across the pitch, Hunt and the returning Tanser, were instrumental in dictating the play and applying what resulted in City dominance

First Lynskey, bombing on beyond the ever-busy Ackroyd, who slotter her in past the defence. The midfielder then controlled, took aim and swung her second in to the far post

Then Knight, who pressed brilliantly, nicking the ball off the defender in the box, as she then drove forward she was upended. Penalty. Taking the duties herself, Knight stepped up and slotted home her goal

A colossal Jackman performance throughout the game limited |Boro to no real clear chances to get themselves back in it. The only one of note, a dubious decision to award a freekick on the edge of the area. It was taken brilliantly, but a huge Abi Wallace paw, rose deep into the corner to turn it around the post

Deep in to 12 minutes of injury time, highlighted by a beautiful midnight moon (it wasn’t that late), Lynskey rounded off the day, the night and her hattrick. Tanser picked up a loose pass in the midfield, and punched it forward to Brookes who rolled her marker and driving in to the box clipped her cross to the backpost where Helen arrived late and took her finish into the far post

FT 4-1

“I thought the girls were brilliant today. They played as a team, as connected and linked units, and made life difficult. The result is obviously what we focus on, but the performance for me was key and something I am very happy for this club to be associated with

It is going to be a quick turn around for Thursday, to make sure we keep improving and try to make sure we get the consistency we need”