City persistence grinds out win
Two early second half penalties, dispatched by Hope Knight, drove Hull City Ladies to overcome one of the leagues toughest tests and emerge with the 3 points from a strong Durham Cestria side
The first half lacked any real quality from both sides, in a game disrupted by numerous fouls, as City struggled against a resilient Cestria defence
The early chances came for the hosts who countered at pace, but lacked any direction on their shot
The Tigresses best efforts came midway through the half. Knight forced a smart save at the near post, and rasped the post in two good attempt
Just before half time Cestria had calls for a penalty when player 14 collided with Abi Wallace, but the ball had already been cleared by the sandwiched Wilson
A poor first half by City standards, a reaction was needed in the second period, and it was delivered instantly. From the first passes of the half it was a different team. City built calmly and quickly, cutting their way up the pitch
A throw in was won high on the right. Dawson delivered to Tanser, who was fouled as she set the ball back wide. Penalty. Knight stepped up and calmly slotted it low past the keeper
From the restart City remained dominant, proving again for that next chance.
Brierley played a incisive first time ball into the feet of Knight who drive through the heart of the hosts defence. As she set the strike her standing foot was taken away. Penalty
Knight again stepped up and this time dispatched, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot
Cestria grew in to the game after this, but the Tigresses showed the other side to their game, limiting any real chances on goal
Again the most deadly attacks came from City. Bott whipped in an excellent chance at the back post from Tanser, and Thompson attacked a couple of drilled Knight crosses, each just missing their target
As the final minute approached, Durham won a free kick high on the edge of the area. The effort was well struck but Wallace used her frame and tipped the effort away to keep her clean sheet intact
Wallace; Dawson, Wilson, Watters, Symington; Hunt, Tanser, Lynskey (Copsey), Thompson (Brookes); Brierley (Bott 60), Knight
Post game reaction from Chris Hames
“This is one of the leagues toughest places to come to, and Cestria are always one of the hardest teams to play. They’re high energy, technically excellent and very well coached and we struggled first half to get into any rhythm or get a foot on the game when dealing with this.Second half we played our way, moved the ball with more purpose and opened up key chances and ultimately deserved the win because of that.Icing on the cake is the clean sheet, the girls were brilliant at the back today and did what they needed to to maintain that”
Up next for Hull City Ladies
Sunday 26/11 FC United of Manchester (A) in the FA Cup 2nd Round
Sunday 03/12 FC United of Manchester (H) at Sewell Group Craven Park