Title-winning Town Ladies sink Railway in derby encounter

Harrogate Town Ladies were presented with their league winners' trophy at Station View. Picture: Town Pix

The North East Regional Women’s Football League Southern Division title-winners were presented with their championship trophy before kick-off at Station View, then went on to win the game by a 4-1 scoreline.

“It was nice to finish the season with a win and on a high note when we were presented with the trophy,” Town boss Jon Maloney said.

“The girls have done brilliantly this season and they really enjoyed getting their hands on the silverware.

“It was a good game and both sides played some nice football on what was a heavy pitch. You always know you’re in for a tough game against this Railway side, so we were pleased to come away with the points in the end.”

Town took the lead with 10 minutes on the clock when centre-half Grace Foyer made a late dart into the box to head home Grace Adams’ left-wing free-kick.

Railway were back on terms in the 42nd minute as Emma Landsall finished from a corner, but the visitors re-claimed the ascendancy through Sophie Tinson’s strike on the stroke of half-time.

Tinson then notched her second of the evening when she ran on to a through-ball and fired in off a post just after the hour-mark.

And the points were wrapped up with five minutes remaining, Hannah Stephenson’s swerving effort deceiving the home goalkeeper on its way into the net.

“We gave Town a good match, far better than last time and we were unlucky not to have at least one more goal,” Railway coach Simon Mercer reflected.

“That’s not taking anything away from Town who are a very good footballing team and deserve their promotion.

“For us, this is the highest position we have finished in years as a team. Richard [Burns, manager] and I are both very proud of their achievements.”

Railway ended the campaign third in the league standings.