This Sunday Hull United women’s development team faced league champions Preston away.

The visitors knew it would be a tough game against the champions who have gone unbeaten all season.

United started strong with Holmes, Workman And Robinson pulling the stings in the middle, creating some good chances early on for the forwards to latch on to. For much of the first half United were the better team but in spells Preston showed their quality, leaving United thanking keeper Cooke for some excellent saves and keeping the score 0-0.

United made a change with Okpeta replaced youngster Mansell with Manager Marsden looking to take advantage of the impressive first half performance. Not long after, following some impressive build up play 16 year old Ibbotson fired United into the lead with a superb strike inside the box.

HT AFC Preston Ladies 0-1 United

After being urged to be more confident in themselves at half time, United came into the second half looking to build on their lead and take home all 3 points. Groves replaced Damms adding fresh legs to the squad.

The back 4 remained solid limiting the opposition to few chances but another couple of brilliant saves from Cooke meant that United remained ahead. Greenly was introduced after Watson got injured and did brilliantly on the left. With 18 minutes left to go, Holmes doubled the lead after a clever ball from Groves left her 1 on 1 with the Preston keeper and she finished it excellently.

United were awarded a penalty late into the second half but it wasn’t to be for Ayre as the keeper stood firm and kept the ball out of the net.

Damms and Mansell were reintroduced to ensure United would hold on to all 3 points. After a brilliant performance from the visitors, the final score was 0-2 United. A brilliant win which showcased how far the side has come over the season, and being the team to stop an unbeaten season from the champions was even more impressive.

Player of the match was awarded to Meg Cooke in goal, she pulled off 3 outstanding saves keeping United in the game and helping her team secure a great win against the league champions.

The ladies final game is this Sunday against Hall Road at home in what looks to be a tough final game.