United struggle in bottom of the table clash

This week United welcomed Harrogate Town to Haworth Park and were looking to get 3 points on the board.

Harrogate won the toss and got the game underway. United set up with a changed formation from previous games with the aim to get on the attacking front from the offset.

United took some time to settle into the game and navigate the uneven lands of the pitch with Newlove, Wilshire and Marrow in defence clearing their lines and defending Cooke in goal.

Midway through the first half United struck first after some great link up play between Damms and Tankard enabled a through ball to Tate who provided the assist to Ibbotson. United 1 - Harrogate 0. United battled well in the middle of the park with Sharp, Robinson and Tankard working up and down the pitch. Shortly after Marrow made way for Ward due to injury and Eleanor Robinson slotted into the defence. Ward and Robinson were very successful down the left side and provided some great opportunities but United were unable to convert despite the advantage of the wind. Shortly before the break Lisle came on for Sharp and United continued the waves of attack but Harrogate defended well with the keeper acting as their sweeper for a high line. The half time whistle blew and United were in front.

United got the second half underway and played into the wind. Harrogate came flying out the blocks however United struggled to settle into the game. Thomas was introduced to the field for Ibbotson to drive the team forward and hold the ball up against the force of the wind. Harrogate attacked in waves which put United on the back foot and conceded a number of corners on the bounce and Cooke made way for Cone. Harrogate levelled at the corner when a player slotted the ball home at close range. United 1-Harrogate 1. The game restarted and shortly after Harrogate were awarded a free kick midway through United’s half. United failed to fully clear their lines and the opposition reacted first and found the back of the net with a long range strike. United 1- Harrogate 2.

United worked hard for the remainder of the half but were unable to trouble the Harrogate goalkeeper and the game was put to bed.

Player of the match was awarded to Lily Tankard, United travel to Hartlepool next Sunday looking to build on last weeks performance.