harrogaterailwayladies

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Thanks for joining us, always a pleasure.

April Shines in March

Another Sunday and another decimated fixture list. The weather is seriously threatening the possibility of completing grassroot's league campaigns by the end of May; waterlogged pitches seem to be the norm these days.

Those clubs that play their home games on 3G pitches are the exception, and it is something the FA probably need to look at going forward. Money has to trickle down to grassroots clubs and facilities, to enable them to meet the requirements of a league season fixture list - with games being able to be played weekly.

Harrogate Railway Women Firsts, Devs and Under 18s games were all cancelled due to unplayable pitches, but the Reserves are fortunate enough to play their home games on the 3G at King James School in Knaresborough.

So it was game-on for the team from Station View.

The visitors to King James on Sunday were Tyersal FC Women for a WRCWFL Division Three fixture.

As the end of the season approaches, the Reserves found themselves in third place in the table at the start of the day, level on points with Lower Hopton Devs, but having played one more game.

Lower Hopton were playing in the League Shield, so this was a chance for Railway to leap above them in the table and put pressure on table-topping Skipton Town.

Tyersal started the day third from bottom, but with plenty of games in hand to lift themselves into mid-table.

Any game plan Tyersal had to frustrate Railway went out of the window immediately as April Kennedy raced through the centre of the Visitor's defence to score after about 40 seconds.

By the tenth minute, Railway were 4-0 up and the game was won. It was a question of just how many they could get and a measure of how well their concentration would hold up.

Tyersal FC Ladies to their credit kept challenging throughout the game, winning some of the individual battles, and genuinely making the game difficult for the home team. The visitors had also travelled with only 11 players; and with a lack of substitutes, they found themselves several times during the game with only ten on the pitch.

Half time and Railway led 11-0, already achieving a couple of the goals for the day - namely earning the three points needed to maintain their push for promotion, and also bolstering their goal difference [that may become that elusive 'extra-point' needed when it is so tight at the top of the table].

The second half followed on from the first, as the Reserves scored freely. There were stand-out performances by April Kennedy, who ended the game with eight goals, Emma Landsall who bagged four, and Georgia France who also scored four.

The final whistle blew just before 5pm and Harrogate Railway Reserves had won the game 20-0. Yes this was a one-sided game, dominated by the home team...a team team pushing for promotion; however, that would be doing a disservice to Tyersal who played their part, fought all over the pitch, played football in the right way, and never let their heads drop, when many others would.

With this performance, Railway lifted themselves above Lower Hopton into second spot, one point behind leaders Skipton Town. Railway have also boosted their goal difference to only a few behind the league leaders having played the same number of games.

With seven games remaining, Railway are in the mix for promotion. Looking at the table, the top five teams are all in the hunt. Field, Pontefract, Lower Hopton and Skipton Town are all within a point or two of each other at the time of writing.

If Railway can win six out of their seven remaining fixtures, I believe they will claim one of the top two promotion spots. This team has the quality to do that; it all comes down to holding their nerve, keeping their concentration, and being as clinical in front of goal as they were during this game.

You can read Harrogate Railway's match report here.

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Happy International Women's Day

For more than a decade, Caught Light has been proud to support women's sport, providing coverage at all levels - from International games down to grassroots.

Our commitment was to treat girls and women's sport with respect; help support the clubs and organisations promoting both teams and individuals; and to provide coverage in a manner that promoted equality and fairness.

We hope that our photos and video over the years have brought pleasure to those that appear in them, or know the players; and provide memories for everyone in and around the sport.

We hope that what we do, in some small way, provides a glimpse into the emotions and passion of those that take part.

Happy International Women's Day!

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Blog moving to the Harrogate Railway AFC website.

Social media engagement can be a tricky thing for a non-professional club. Harrogate Railway Ladies have a small team of volunteers who try our best to make our content as engaging, informative and fun as we can- for free. We are lucky to also have friends of the club who've supplied us with amazing images of our games to improve the quality of what we can put out (thankyou @leicamoments )

Whatever we do we need to try get maximum engagement from it and although we've really loved the format of the blog on tumblr we are trying to engage new people and feedback has not been great for the invasive sign up wall.

The blog was set up so we could give a bit more detail about behind the scenes at the club, introduce people who make the place work and generally spread the good news we have going on this season and into the future. We still want to do this but we will now be posting our content directly onto

HarrogateRailwayAthleticFC

On there you will find News articles about us as well as up to date league and fixture details for all our teams. You will also find information on how to get involved as a player, volunteer, local business partner or a fan!

We hope to see you soon ❤️💚

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Devs Captain Elaine Bennett Talks About The Season So Far.

The Harrogate Railway Ladies first team had a free weekend so no game this week (28/01/24) but the remaining teams turned out in style with three wins out of three games for the Reserves, Under 18s and Devs!

The newest Ladies Development team held up their part with a 1-0 win over Collingham Junior Women FC in the newly formed Harrogate Beginners League. This weekend brings their season tally to five wins, three draws and one loss in their nine games leaving them sat in 2nd place. We are all so proud of the team for this phenomenal effort in their first ever season!

We caught up with Elaine Bennett - Captain of the Devs to tell us more about their impressive season.

"Hello Elaine, the Devs have had an amazing run of results since they formed in the Summer, can you tell us a bit about the squad and how you've enjoyed the season so far?"

"The squad is made up of a mixed bag of ability and football experience. I recall in the summer most turning up saying they have never kicked a ball, other's turned up saying they used to kick a ball but haven't in years and some turned up thinking you could catch the ball from a throw in.

It doesn't matter to us the ability or experience, what matters is turning up and giving it a go. Seeing what happens and growing as a team together, regardless of ability. Personally I have loved being part of the squad and seeing others grow and develop as well as myself, people beginning to believe in themselves has been truely humbling to be part of.

They really are a great bunch, every single one of them.

I enjoyed our undefeated streak, which sadly came to an end, as all good things do but great to bounce back with a win this weekend. We learn and we grow as a squad and a community who want to win the league at some point.

I'm looking forward to seeing where we finish and we aim for as close to the top as possible."

"The new beginners league in Harrogate was set up to be a more sociable and easier access option than the very competitive West Riding County Women's league. As a shift worker yourself how have you found the schedule and atmosphere within the league?"

"As a shift worker I have found this league easier to be part of. Less of a commitment is required as matches are mostly every second or third week. I feel less guilt for not being available.

Even though we train weekly and I do have to miss some of them I don't feel like I miss too much. I can book annual leave or swap shifts much easier due to less matches being played.

As much as I would love to be part of the higher, more competitive leagues in reality it just doesn't fit my work life balance.

This league seems perfect, albeit, did have some teething issues as its in its first season, but that's to be expected.

I'm so glad Alan our coach and Emma from reserves encouraged me to side step from the reserves, the Railway club truly has brought so much to my life over the past two years. The atmosphere in the league is friendly but still competitive. I hope it continues to be that way in the future.

If you've ever thought about giving football a try and have life commitments that stop you from being able to play every week then this is the league for you. Harrogate Railway is the team for you if you have positive attitude and a can do mind set."

"They really are one big family. Great bunch, good team ethos and the coaching team are amazing!"

The Devs team are looking for players to join their squad after losing a few players to injury, job changes and pregnancy! We would love to hear from anybody who'd like to try playing football or even return to football after a break. We try to keep a mix of male and female coaches and we would love to invite potential recruits to a free training session. All you need to get started is a pair of trainers and a positive attitude!

The team are also looking for additional coaching staff or a player coach as the brilliant Devs Manager Lauren Talbot will soon be headed on maternity leave herself. Get in touch and get involved!

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Harrogate Railway Ladies sign promising youngster Ruby Wilkinson.

Harrogate Railway are pleased to announce the signing of promising youngster Ruby Wilkinson. Ruby as with all our potential signings started training with us a few weeks ago to meet the team and check that it was a good fit for the player and the club.

Railway have been putting more attention on helping young players get their first experience of open age football over the last two seasons as the transition from youth to open age needs to be done right.

Though the rules state female players can play in open age teams when they turn 16 not all players are ready for this step which is something we can work on with the player, parents and coaches involved.

The club are happy to work with the right players from the many great youth teams in the local area from U-16 upwards but our own Railway under 18 girls have been a fantastic bridge between Saturday youth football and Sunday open age football. We have coaches from the adult teams running the saturday set up and the U-18 squad sharing training sessions with both the first and reserve teams. Having a few players in the important 16 to 18 years age bracket thriving in the first team and reserve team is something we are very proud of at the club.

Ruby currently plays her Saturday football at Wigton Moor U-16 and we asked her how she found out about the Railway Ladies.

"I found out about Harrogate Railway through people I know who currently play for the club. I decided to approach Railway after watching their training at Rossett, seeing it was a good standard and the players all supporting eachother."

You've been training with the Ladies for a few weeks now, how have you settled in?

"After having a few weeks training with the reserves i’ve settled in well. The girls have all been supportive and very welcoming"

The Railway Ladies have two great squads in the West Riding County Leagues but we are always eager to speak to driven players who want to improve. With this season's signing window closing in February now is the time if you'd like to join the Railway family get in touch through or social media team!

Station View - home of Harrogate Railway

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Harrogate Railway 1-2 Selby Town

At the start of the day, Railway found themselves above Selby in the table and looking to get their charge for the play-off places reignited. A late pitch inspection deemed the surface playable as many teams in the local area found their games falling foul of waterlogged and frozen turf.

The fact that Harrogate Town's game against Grimsby had been called off with many of the away fans already in the spa town - was to prove fortunate for Railway as they sought to find a game to watch.

It was great to see so many supporters in through the gates of Station View and they were to be served up a great game of football.

The first half was all Railway. The home team playing some scintillating football; attacking with pace and getting shots away to test the resolve of the visitor's defence.

New signing Eliel Anku powered in what threatened to be the first of many for The Rail on six minutes, finishing off a move that swept through Selby like they weren't there, 1-0.

A combination of woodwork, profligate finishing, and superb keeping meant that Railway were frustrated throughout the first 45; unable to add to their safe-looking lead.

In fact, it was the visitors who appeared to be rattled as the half time whistle approached - with the manager on the sideline and his keeper exchanging words as they disagreed about the urgency needed to take a goal kick.

The home supporters seemed happy as the first half came to an end, but were also voicing their wariness about the slender lead and the potential to let it slip.

That concern was to prove right as the second half progressed and Selby pressed forward to get an equaliser.

Somehow, where the Harrogate midfield was dominant in the first 45...it was to cede control to the visitors, as they seemed to drop back a few yards and as a result started to lose the initial challenges and not pick up the player in possession as quickly.

Such are the tiny differences that change games.

Selby's equaliser came from the penalty spot as Edward Day stroked the ball into the back of the net on 67 minutes, setting up a nervous final 20 minutes.

Railway tried to respond, pushing forward to reestablish their first half superiority, but this meant that spaces appeared all around the pitch and it was Selby that capitalised.

A quick attack in the 80th minute was finished off with a fairly simple tap in by Harry Clapham, who ran to the small contingent of away supports at the side of the pitch to celebrate.

Railway switched on...instantly pushing forward trying to avoid the defeat that at one point in the game, had seemed impossible. A series of attacks, corners and free kicks were all missed, saved by the keeper or hacked clear by the Selby defenders.

There were two shouts for penalties for Railway, one definitely wasn't but was appealed more in hope; the other was more uncertain and on another day, with another referee...would have been given.

The final whistle went and Selby had won the game, and on their second half showing, probably deserved it...by the tiniest of margins. This defeat will leave Harrogate Railway kicking themselves; if any of the numerous shots had gone in in the first half, or the woodwork hadn't come to the visitor's rescue...then no one would have argued that the men from Station View didn't deserve points from this game.

A tough one to take...but Rob, Lee and Fraser have this team going in the right direction and more importantly, they are still in the race for those play-off places. They just need three points to kick off that charge.

And thanks to the Grimsby and Harrogate Town fans for boosting Railway's attendance to the second best at level six on Saturday in the country.

[harrogaterailwayladies]

It's been a busy year for Harrogate Railway Ladies and like many teams we're enjoying a well earned break before the league kicks off again in January. We asked the first team manager Rich Burns to give us his thoughts on the last year and what we can expect in 2024!

Hello Rich, how has 2023 been for Harrogate Railway Ladies?

"It’s been such a busy but enjoyable year. At the start of 2023 we had the challenge of finishing the 22/23 season, our first with two competitive teams in the West Riding County Divisions. That season for me was all about ensuring we fielded two teams every week with no cancellations & we should be proud as we did it.

The rest of 2023 including planning & starting the 23/24 season has been an absolute roller coaster.

Going from two teams to four by creating the U18 Ladies pathway to Senior football & our 1st ever Development Team has kept us busy!!

Then came small matters like recruitment, building our Social Media presence & squads that can compete & challenge at the top ends of leagues, all things we have achieved by the way.

So 2023 has been busy, challenging & ultimately enjoyable hopefully for all."

What's been your highlight of the year?

"There are so many, seeing our Ladies Reserves & Development Teams topping tables, watching our U18s progress into Senior football, seeing players improve year on year, I could go on!

I suppose if I had to choose one thing it would have to be the Harrogate Railway Ladies Day event. To be able to celebrate ladies football for the first time ever as a club, whilst also raising funds for one of our own players Dee Swales for life saving treatment against Cancer. So many ladies taking part in football & the solidarity of us all in raising thousands for such a great cause. Personally that was an unforgettable moment to walk into a clubhouse packed to the rafters, all here for Ladies football & Dee, that was so special."

Yes it was a great day and really nice the local football community getting involved. You had some exciting news yourself this year - congratulations on being awarded your MBE. What was that like?

"I found out in December 2022 that I had been awarded an MBE & needless to say I was shocked from the outset, but flattered I had been recognised for my day job as well as my time in community football.

Almost a year to the day of finding out I had been awarded an MBE I was invited to Windsor Castle for the Investiture (December 12th 2023). I have to be honest, I knew little about the process, what to expect or even Windsor - Endless help from ‘the google’!

I arrived the day before, managed to get my Christmas Windsor experience, which was amazing.

On the day I arrived suited & booted to Windsor Castle where I was told King Charles would be presenting my MBE. I waited in the Queens Gallery with others & surrounded by an amazing world of art - I’m thinking is this for real?

Eventually the moment came where I walked into a room with an orchestra playing, the King holding my medal & was invited to be presented with it.

He asked about my work & also how ladies football is progressing. I told him about the amazing growth of the ladies game & how Harrogate Railway Ladies are going from strength to strength & he said he was pleased for the club & also for the ladies game. So King Charles is a Railway Ladies fan (or at least in my eyes).

Overall the experience was surreal & something i’ll never forget, a proud moment for me, my family & hopefully all associated with Harrogate Railway Ladies."

Absolutely amazing and thoroughly deserved! Lastly the ladies are straight back into matches on the 7th of January what are your hopes for the upcoming year?

"After such a strong 2023 my hopes are for Harrogate Railway Ladies to continue to grow & maintain the momentum we have now.

All four teams (1st, Reserves, Development & U18s) are in great positions in their respective leagues. Being super selfish though I want the 1st team to realise the talent they have as they can & should beat anyone on their day. 

Bottom line my hopes are to continue to enjoy growing this club."

The ladies first team are straight back into League Cup action on the 7th of January at Republica Internationale and if you are reading this your majesty replica shirts are available through our friends at S66!

The club wish all our coaching staff, players, sponsors friends and fans a great new year and we hope to see you all soon!

[harrogaterailwayladies]

Harrogate Railway Ladies launch our new Blog!

The club are really happy to announce our new venture and we're excited to be able to tell everyone more about the great things happening at Station View and the surrounding area. Until now our communications have been done predominantly through Facebook and we'd still like you to follow us there and everywhere else but this blog will allow a better format for articles about the club's activities and personalities.

We'd like to be able to offer more insight into the day to day running of the club and the different teams and opportunities we have for you to enjoy or even take part in! We believe a good way to do this can be through interviews with the people involved, updates on how our girls teams are getting on, the challenges and progress we are having in creating a full girls player pathway at Railway and also reports on club events. Basically if you want up to date news on the Railway Ladies this is where you'll find it.

Stay tuned for our first official article in the next few days!