Division One North's Gritty Side: York City Ladies FC.

Photography by John Shirras

York City Ladies FC: End of season run of form?

The 23/24 campaign saw York City Ladies FC put in strong and solid performances which ensured that they retained their place in the FAWNL. They finished the last four games of the season particularly well, collecting a total of 8 points out of the twelve that were available and finishing in 10th place.

After having played 13 league games this season, York find themselves in 11th place having won 3, drawn 2 and lost 8 games. However the Division North One is a hugely competitive league and only 3 points separate York and 7th placed Barnsley FC Women. As we move towards the end of the season, there is still so much to play for!

Standout Players and Key Contributions:

The club’s current top goal scorer is Faye Singleton who has currently recorded 6 goals in 16 appearances for the club this season. The forward thinking midfielder has been also crucial in creating chances for this York side and her creativity will be so important if York want to pick up valuable points.

Another standout player is young goalkeeper Rebecca Sidwell whose impressive stops and pinpoint distribution has earned her 4 opposition player of the match awards this season. She has a bright future in the game having already led England Colleges FA to a trophy after keeping a clean sheet in the final.

Key Results so far:

York has had some great success in taking points off their relegation rivals. One such example was their September 8th fixture against 10th place Norton and Stockton Ancients which culminated in an impressive 3-2 victory. They have also claimed a 2-0 victory against bottom of the table AFC Fylde Women and were unlucky to only get a point in a 3-3 draw against 9th placed Doncaster Rovers Belles.

York were also unlucky to lose against some of the top teams in the division. It took a 81st minute winner from Cheadle Town Stingers’ number 9 to separate the two sides when they met on

the 15th December. As such, York are clearly capable of competing with the very top teams in the division.

Cup Run?:

York reached the first round proper of the FA Cup after having earned a comfortable 5-2 win against Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies. They were knocked out however in the next round as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Handsworth Women.

They still have a chance to earn some silverware however in the North Riding County Cup where a home walkover victory in the second round has seen them book a place in the quarter final. They will face Northallerton Town Women on the 16th February.

Big Signing and A Big Loss:

One key player that York City Ladies will miss is their former top scorer Katie Astle who managed 14 goals in the 16 appearances that she made for the club this campaign. She left the club however and opted instead to join recently relegated 5th placed Huddersfield Town FC Women.

Whilst York might miss her goal contributions, they have made a smart decision in new signing Charlie Blythe, who impressed on her debut for the club in a 3-3 draw against Doncaster.

Upcoming Fixtures: Can they stay up?

One massive fixture which is coming up for the club is the 2nd February clash against 12th placed AFC Fylde. Both teams find themselves in the relegation zone and with only a point separating them both, this fixture will be a key one.

York still have difficult fixtures to play including two games against Durham Cestria and a home match against Leeds United Women on the last day of the season. If last season’s end of year form is anything to go by however, we can count on York putting in some gritty performances and picking up some crucial points in these last few games.

The club as a whole:

York City Ladies are managed by Emily Senior who joined the club in October 2024. She was previously the manager of AFC Bradford Women and so has experience coaching at a higher level. The club is nicknamed the MinsterBelles and has had a ladies team since 1995 - they now have a Development Team as well as a First Team illustrating the pathway available at York City Ladies.

Make sure to keep an eye on the MinsterBelles' results as we move into February!