Belles bounce back to secure derby success

Illness and injury meant the Belles only fielded 11 players against City’s A team, who included three first teamers.

Battyeford suffered a 4-2 defeat, with Louise Wardman and Rachel Lockwood scoring Battyeford’s second half goals and Alex Womersley having a shot cleared off the line.

The Belles hit back against Norristhorpe as Wardman and Womersley went close early on before Hester Longstaff’s long pass out of defence found Phoebe Young to score after 26 minutes.

Young grabbed her second four minutes later and when Norristhorpe pressed, solid defending by Emily Kenworthy and Becca Banks thwarted their efforts.

Gemma Robshaw was solid in goal as Battyeford led 2-0 at half-time.

A turn of pace by Wardman brought a fantastic solo effort a minute after the re-start but Norristhorpe fought back with a great individual goal from Lilli Dyson.

Kirsty Pollard took control at the back and Olivia Harding bossed midfield and set up Rachel Lockwood for the Belles fourth goal.

Alice Bunch came off the bench and took the game to Norristhorpe and was on hand to set up a well deserved second goal for Wardman as Battyeford completed victory.

Battyeford only decided to start a ladies open age side in the summer but the response was so good that they are also running a reserve team this season.

The Belles Reserves gained victory over Castleford the previous week and suffered defeat to Farsley Celtic last Sunday.

The Belles open age ladies first team have received a new playing strip, thanks to sponsorship from Newburn Power Rental, of Brewery Lane Dewsbury.