York City Ladies made the most of their outing at Bootham Crescent on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Hull City in the Knockout Cup.

The tie was moved from Hull to take advantage of the opportunity to play at York City's ground and it paid dividends for the City girls.

The only goal came just before the interval when Kelly Chesterton whipped in an outswinging corner, Jenny Garnett headed it on and midfielder Jo Gardiner stabbed the ball home.

York's build-up play continued to impress and Garnett's strike partner Chesterton beat several defenders and squared the ball for Garnett whose effort hit the inside of the post and rebounded across the face of goal and away.

Hull asked more questions of City in the second half, but the defence held firm.

Chesterton had a great chance to score a second, but her powerful shot just missed the target and City had to dig in towards the end but held on for a memorable victory.

Wing-back Lauren Coombs was in superb form down the right with some great runs and dangerous crosses.

The win was warmly saluted by manager Adam Cooper.

He enthused: "It demonstrates the way the team has progressed that Hull had no real goal-scoring opportunities in the match.

"We are progressing in the league and are still involved in all three cups."

However, Cooper explained the side were operating on a tight shoestring budget, insisting that a cash backer was needed to maintain progress.

"The team's development has been significant this season, but soon this will become more difficult due to financial restrictions," he said.

"A financial backer would enable the club to focus on planning for the team's future."

Anyone interested in assisting the side, who return to league action on Sunday at home to Morley at City's regular home, the Civil Service ground on Boroughbridge Road, can contact Cooper tel York 769523.

Updated: 11:49 Wednesday, January 17, 2001