Two first half goals were enough for York City Ladies to take all three points in their first outing of 2023.

Both Holly Findlay and Jess Holder got on the scoresheet for the Minsterbelles who complete the league double over Merseyrail.

In the first 10 minutes City’s intentions were clear, on the front foot from the off as Findlay almost found Nikki Brown with her low cross before the keeper claimed.

Alice Hughes tested the keeper with a well hit free kick which looked to be heading in at the near post with the game still in the opening 15 minutes.

A minute later York drew first blood, Findlay with the goal hooking beyond the keeper after finding space in the box behind her marker.

Holder had her first sighter of the afternoon on the half hour mark, her well hit shot was saved as York looked to double their lead.

Holder was again denied just minutes later, this time the crossbar came to the hosts rescue. A brilliant effort that looked destined for the back of the net came back off of the face of the bar.

Just a minute after hitting the bar Holder found the back of the net with a driven effort from distance which arrowed into the bottom corner to extend the lead.

York went into the break two to the good with a solid all round first half display.

Hughes was again denied by the keeper who continued to keep the hosts in the game.

York came close again in the 65th minute, a driving run down the right got her in behind, her cross almost found Jones in the 18-yard box, the ball then broke for the skipper Brown but she shot over.

The Minsterbelles again attacked down the right to good effect with Brown showing good skill to get away from the full back, before picking out Karli Smith who saw her shot deflect wide.

York then saw the game out in the final ten minutes, quelling any Merseyrail attacks and not quite managing to create any clear-cut openings to increase the lead.

An important three points and a clean sheet for City in the first game of the new year following an extended break from action.

The Minsterbelles return to Haxby Road next Sunday (3pm) with Middlesbrough as the visitors.

Minsterbelles: Sidwell, Parkin, Cattle, Fredericksen (Harriott), Smith, Hughes, Hardcastle (Bowman), Holder, Ash, Brown (c), Findlay (Jones).

In other York City Ladies news, the club have announced that they will be returning to the LNER Community Stadium for a third-ever match, as they host Hull City Ladies on Wednesday, March 1.

Olly Wood