Hull City Ladies secured a come-from-behind win away at Middlesbrough, in a game that has always created some what of a rivalry between the two Yorkshire sides.
The Tigresses made the long trip up the M1 to a Middlesbrough side who hadn’t lost at home yet this season, and were on excellent for under their temporary stewardship. The task of being the first was made harder when the hosts took the lead in the 4th minute
A lightning break down the wing by Abby Holmes, before cutting inside – and a the Middlesbrough forward used every minute of her experience to win a soft penalty. burn stepped up and slotted it low and hard in to the corner
Boro’ controlled the early stages, a good cross from Maxwell just couldn’t be met cleanly at the back stick, with Watt unable to steer the chance in
Then City grew in to it. With no real chances to note from either side, but the ball remaining high up in to the hosts half through intense pressing by the Tigresses
Ackroyd had the best of the chances for City. A delightful loft over the back line by Tugby-Andrew, and a first time strike by our No.10 which flashed wide of the far post
Another day. Another set piece. Another goal. Hunt lofted a brilliant free kick deep in to the Middlesbrough area, the first ball was cleared but reacted to excellently by Foyer who drove it hard and low across goal, the keepers hand could only turn it onto the onrushing Tanser to prod home
Just three minutes later it was two. A good city press forced the turnover in the Middlesbrough build up, with a lose pass finding its way to Knight who hit a smooth strike over and beyond the stranded keeper
HT 2-1
City were forced in to two early changes. Haywood off at Half Time for Hassanin, Foyer off early in the second half for Nicholson
Hassanin arrived in to the game for her first appearance since joining in the week
Through the second half City were restricted to little, a few break away chances it mostly a half spent protecting the lead
And they did that well. Other than a thunderous strike from Maxwell from a dubious late free kick which rattled the top of the cross bar – the City wall stood strong, forcing little in the way of real chances, defending bravely and managing a game that was there to be won
FT 2-1 City WIN
Photo by Peter North