Knaresborough Town Ladies FC avenged an earlier cup defeat by White Rose by routing them 5-2 in the County Cup.

In the first half the teams were evenly matched, with Town goalkeeper Penny Davies making a string of fine saves to prevent White Rose from taking the lead.

Town spurned several openings before taking the lead when Helen Wood slotted home a cool finish after 20 minutes. Wood then set up the second for skipper Claire Bridson to slot home, but White Rose pulled one back soon after.

Town extended their lead again through Kirstie Powers' fierce shot only for their opponents to reduce the deficit when they benefited from a dubious offside decision.

Town came out strongly in the second half and a long range shot from player of the match Debbie Higgins put them 4-2 up. Higgins then missed a penalty, but the game was sealed when the White Rose 'keeper failed to hold a Higgins free-kick for Powers to prod in the final goal.

Town are in cup action again on Sunday when they take on Battesyford in the Yorkshire Plate, kick-off 10.30am at Manse Lane. Having reached the final last year, Town will be looking to go one step further this year.

Updated: 11:32 Wednesday, November 24, 2004