UNIVERSITY of York Women’s I lost 5-2 at home to Northumbria University II in British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Football Northern 1A.

The result means the confident visitors have still only lost once this term, although York also received a Christmas boost of their own, with the news that vice-captain Ella Williamson could return from injury early next year, writes KATHRYN BATTE.

Northumbria were quick to take hold of the game, enjoying spells of possession in York’s half and, after being frustrated by a resilient York defence, took the lead on the half-hour mark.

There was a suspicion of offside in the build-up before the left-wing cross found a striker to slot in, but the goal stood, and the visitors doubled their lead with a similar goal five minutes later.

Two more flew in before half-time, the fourth being a particularly well-crafted goal finished off with a volley into the left corner.

The half-time scoreline was perhaps harsh on York who had shown some promising patches of play, and the home side were quick out of the blocks in the second period.

York received their reward when Alisha Miller got away on the right, putting in a cross which eventually found Georgia Evans to beat the keeper at her near post.

As York tired in the second half, however, and Northumbria managed a fifth, before Miller got a second, collecting Rachel Taylor’s through-ball and finished into an empty net.

University of York Women II earned a 1-0 win at Sheffield III in Northern 4B.

The visitors took a while to settle, and the only real chance fell to Aimee Colbourne, who couldn’t quite manage to chip the keeper when through on goal.

With the home side enjoying more of the possession, York were pleased to go in level at half-time.

York came out much stronger in the second half, establishing their natural passing game and moving the ball around well in difficult conditions.

The deadlock was finally broken when Maddi Cannell noticed that the Sheffield keeper was off her line and scored a sensational 25-yard chip.

Sheffield pressed for the equaliser, but York’s defence held firm to maintain the clean sheet.

Defender and player-of-the-match Megan Barnard was particularly influential, with some brilliant clearances to ensure York came away with the three points.