City of York Ladies lost 3-1 at home to Ben Rhydding, whose speedy forward line caused early problems in their North League premier division first match of the season.

York goalkeeper Lynne Gowland made a series of fine saves but is was no surprise when Rhydding's pressure brought them reward on 17 minutes, Rachel Doherty scoring from close range. Jackie Goodwin added a second goal before half-time.

Sally Sleightholme twice went close to scoring for York in breakaway attacks and a better organised second-half display saw York get back into the game when Karen Howells reduced the arrears with a well-taken shot.

But Rhydding made sure of the points when Doherty added the visitors' third goal late on.

Meanwhile, in division two of the Yorkshire League, City of York II lost 4-0 away at Harrogate II while City of York III had better fortune in division six, with a 2-0 home win against Adel III, Lucy Butcher and Susie Orton scoring the goals.

In division seven, City of York IV, the newly formed junior development side, had a fine 5-1 away at Halifax IV. Steph Pearson scored a hat-trick in the first half. Denise Jackson and Jess Barnes added the other two goals.

Updated: 11:40 Tuesday, October 02, 2001