#Harrogate Railway Women

[leicamoments]

Railway on the Right Tracks

Sunday and I headed down to Station View to cover the WRCWFL Premier Division game between table-topping Farsley Celtic and a closely chasing Harrogate Railway.

I was hoping the recent spell of overcast weather would break in time for the game, as the Met Office had promised that the cloud cover would start to have some gaps after two weeks of total horizon-to-horizon greyness.

The cloud was thinner, and it was a little brighter, but we weren’t to be graced by the sight of blue sky just yet. At least it wasn’t raining – got to take the positives!

It was the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day, so shortly before kick-off both teams stood around the centre circle and fell silent to show their respect for all those that gave up so much for our freedoms and safety.

A short blast on the whistle at the end of the minute and the teams faced each other, ready to battle it out for what could be one of the pivotal fixtures of the season. The 90 minutes that followed wouldn’t disappoint.

The opening stages of the game showed just how good both teams were; Farsley Celtic playing some nice passing football, but with the home team settling the better of the two sides and pushing forward.

In around the tenth minute, a corner won by Railway was delivered beautifully into the Celtic penalty area where Caitlyn Atkin met it perfectly and volleyed the ball past Leigh Bamford, the Farsley keeper, and into the roof of the net, 1-0.

Things were about to get better for the home team more or less straight from the restart as Railway won possession and attacked down their right. Krista Shuttleworth got onto the ball and ran in towards the Farsley penalty box; a little look up and a deft lob beat the Celtic stopper who was off her goal line, 2-0.

Harrogate Railway were looking sharp, with decisive direct attacks that were causing the visitors all sorts of problems. However, Farsley Celtic were certainly not out of this game, and were showing signs of their own attacking prowess.

As the half-hour mark approached, Celtic were clawing their way back into the game, starting to win a lot of the 50-50 challenges, attacking down both wings, and creating some good half-chances…but being honest, without seriously troubling Charlotte Donnelly in goal.

That was about to change.

Having created a couple of good chances and wasting them, Farsley attacked down their right and laid a ball across the Railway penalty box, with their skipper Lauren Rigby collecting it and calmly finishing into the bottom left of the goal, 2-1.

With around ten minutes of the first half remaining, the visitors were in the ascendency, causing Railway all sorts of problems, pushing them back into their own half and making the Station View side defend deep. Farsley were to create two further chances to score…one in particular, put wide when in reality they should have hit the back of the net.

The half-time whistle blew, and Harrogate Railway headed in 2-1 up, but probably the more relieved of the two teams to have reached the break and still find themselves ahead.

The first 30 minutes had belonged to the team from Harrogate, and they could have scored more. Farsley weren’t top of the league for nothing, they had come back strongly in the final 15 minutes and could have scored more than the one that they had.

Second half got underway, and it was Harrogate Railway that raced out of the blocks, seemingly determined to reassert their control on the game.

Just shy of the 15-minute mark, Rail won a throw-in on their left. A ball from Caitlyn Atkin to Krista Shuttleworth saw the tricky forward run across the edge of the Celtic penalty box with three defenders trying to close her down. Reaching the right side of the box, Krista created enough space to get her shot away, lobbing the keeper to score her second and give Railway a two-goal cushion, 3-1.

Farsley’s response was to push forward down their right and move the ball across the pitch to the left side. Their winger cut inside, angling for the box, creating a glorious chance to instantly respond but couldn’t hit the target.

Farsley Celtic were now pressing hard to get back into the game, and another chance saw Charlotte race out from her goal line to meet the oncoming striker…clearing the ball with a sliding challenge to put it out for a throw-in to the visitors…a wonderful bit of goalkeeping to command her area.

Farsley were turning the screw a little bit at this stage of the game, but Railway’s defence was handling the threats well and increasingly restricting the visitors to long range shots from outside the box.

With about a quarter of the game remaining, Rail were increasingly counter attacking the visitors as spaces were opening up. In one foray forward, a ball in from the left found Elisa Hodson who stepped across the centre back, and with only the keeper to beat, fired the ball wide.

As the minutes ticked by, Railway were starting to dominate once more and another incisive run down the left saw a high ball sent into the box; Elisa rose to try and head it, stretching with every sinew to get something on it but…it was just a little too high for her to make contact.

Farsley picked the ball up and immediately pushed forward, getting to just outside the Railway penalty area before sending in another shot which was comfortably collected by Charlotte.

With time running out, Elisa was to have another chance, putting her effort over the bar this time…but Railway were playing some good football and looked the more likely of the two teams to score.

Into injury time and Paige Swales played a wonderful ball into Georgia Binns who turned the Farsley Defender and sent an unstoppable shot past the Celtic stopper into the roof of the net to seal the game, 4-1.

There had been a few stoppages in the half, so there was a little bit of injury time to add on, and it was Harrogate who were to capitalise in the final few minutes. 

A pass back from a Farsley defender towards the keeper was under hit and the lively Elisa pounced on the opportunity. Controlling the ball with her first touch, she skipped around the keeper and with her mother Jules watching from the technical area, sent it unerringly over the line from the angle…a wonderful finish and a goal that her performance deserved, 5-1.

The full-time whistle blew shortly after and Railway had won 5-1, collected a vital three points, and underlined why they will be up at the top of the league fighting for promotion in March/April.

The margin of the scoreline was probably a little unfair on the visitors, as Farsley Celtic played some good football, controlled a few periods of play throughout the game, and could have scored more. They achieved promotion last season, and I am certain on the evidence from Sunday that they will be in the reckoning come the end of this one too.

Goals: Caitlyn Atkin, Krista Shuttleworth (2), Georgia Binns, Elisa Hodson. POTM: Lou Donnelly. Referee: Amy Fern.

[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!

[dkehoe]

I am drawn to Jo’s blog, My Chestnut Reading Tree because I too adore mysteries. I don’t review them too often because it’s so hard to not give away the ending when you’ve read a good one! However, if you are looking for a good recomendation Jo’s blog should be one of your firsts places to go to fill up your TBR! You can imagine how excited I was when Joe wanted to participate in my Blogger to Blogger Series. Here’s my chance to find out a little more inside information about the life and reading habits of the woman behind My Chestnut Reading Tree!

Here are Jo’s answers to my 10 questions…

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?

I live in a village in Cheshire in the U.K.

What is the view outside your front door? 

Pic of view from front door which is looking down the street towards a railway line at the end. Very boring view!!

Most blogs have a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name and/or why you started blogging.

My neighbours used to have a beautiful Chestnut tree in their garden which is why our street is called Chestnut Drive. I could see it from my spare bedroom where I used to read in the afternoon as the light was just perfect in there then. So I decided to name my blog after that tree. Unfortunately 6 months later we had new neighbours and the first thing they did was cut the tree down! One morning I walked home from taking my granddaughter to school and it had gone!!

Describe where you write your blog. 

I write my blog at my desk in my old dining room which is now an office although it also shares space with a large treadmill (that has been waiting to be fixed for over a year now!) I have all my bookshelves in that room too.

Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack?

I have a pile of blog tour reads and also other ARCs that I keep in my study. There are so many books that I’m desperate to read on these piles but I try to read in date order. Here’s a pic of a few awaiting my attention!

Come and Find Me by Sarah Hilary

On the surface, Lara Chorley and Ruth Hull have nothing in common, other than their infatuation with Michael Vokey. Each is writing to a sadistic inmate, sharing her secrets, whispering her worst fears, craving his attention. DI Marnie Rome understands obsession. She’s finding it hard to give up her own addiction to a dangerous man: her foster brother, Stephen Keele. She wasn’t able to save her parents from Stephen. She lives with that guilt every day. As the hunt for Vokey gathers pace, Marnie fears one of the women may have found him – and is about to pay the ultimate price.

And So It Begins by Rachel Abbott

Cleo knows she should be happy for her brother Mark. He’s managed to find someone new after the sudden death of his first wife – but something about Evie just doesn’t feel right…

When Evie starts having accidents at home, her friends grow concerned. Could Mark be causing her injuries? Called out to their cliff-top house one night, Sergeant Stephanie King finds two bodies entangled on blood-drenched sheets.

Where does murder begin? When the knife is raised to strike, or before, at the first thought of violence? As the accused stands trial, the jury is forced to consider – is there ever a proper defence for murder?

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

I love a twisty psychological thriller and it is always these I tend to search out if I want to read away the stresses of the day. I also reread Lady of Hay or Kingdom of Shadows by Barbara Erskine if I need some comfort reading.

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?

What don’t I do!? I have 2 jobs in my local primary school where I work everyday as a Welfare Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor. I also look after my grandchildren before and after school and in the holidays. And I have a little eBay business selling preloved children’s clothing.

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written?

My most popular blog post is actually related to question 7 as it was my A Typical Day in the Life of a book blogger post! Here is the link-I only had one of my school jobs at the time so it’s slightly more manic during my day now!

A Typical Day in the Life of a Book Blogger

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?

I’m really lucky in that I have met lots of my favourite authors mostly when I attend Theakstons Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate which I have done for the past 3 years. The one that is probably my favourite though, is when I met Linwood Barclay and had afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate with him and my fellow blogger Sarah Hardy. We were both a bit shy but he put us at ease and we had a fabulous chat for over 2 hours about absolutely everything! And the cakes were pretty good too!

If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?

As you can tell I already think authors and cakes go well together as per question 9! I’m really lucky that I’ve met most of my favourite authors but one that I’ve never met, and would love to, is Amanda Prowse. I would serve my favourite carrot cake or a lemon and blueberry cream sponge and I would ask her first how she manages to look so bloody gorgeous in her Instagram pics even first thing in the morning with no make up on!!! And then I would serve prosecco and ask how her ideas come to her for her novels and tell her that I’ve yet to read one of her books that hasn’t made me cry!

    Jo, apparently you and I share a love for cake!  Lemon and Blueberry cream Sponge cake? YUM! If that cake doesn’t make Amanda Prowse spill all of her secrets to you then I don’t know what would! Thanks so much for participating, I really enjoyed all of your answers and found some new authors to read.

Does anyone else share a love of mysteries with Jo? Have you read any of the authors on her TBR? What’s your favorite?

Thanks for reading Blogger to Blogger!

Deb

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with Jo @ My Chestnut Reading Tree I am drawn to Jo's blog, My Chestnut Reading Tree because I too adore mysteries. I don't review them too often because it's so hard to not give away the ending when you've read a good one!

[leicamoments]

Match Reaction: Harrogate Railway Ladies 5-1 Farsley Celtic Women

Our article and photos from the game will be published in the next 24 hours - please keep an eye out for them, links will be on our social media accounts.

All images available to purchase for personal digital download use and in print, get in touch to find out more. Details here.

[leicamoments]

On a Cold December Evening...

Hedingley United FC Devs 1-2 Harrogate Railway Devs

I arrived back at the Rachel Daly 3G pitch for the 5pm kick-off of the Harrogate Railway Devs v Headingley Devs game...late. A previous booking having run late.

It was very dark and the game was being played in the middle of the pitch - probably the most poorly lit area.

In running late, I'd managed to pick up the wrong 'big' lens for the conditions - so I can only apologies to both teams and players for the poor quality of the photos...but I wanted to put them up here anyway.

Anyway, it was a great game to watch and take photos of...with both teams creating a number of opportunities to score, but it was Railway who were to run out 2-1 victors on the day.

You can read the manager's match report here: -

[leicamoments]

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.

[leicamoments]

Harrogate Railway Reserves Mid-Season

I chatted to Harrogate Railway Reserves' manager, Alan Swales, following their last training session of 2024, to find out about how the season has progressed so far.

Recorded while a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds was in place!

[leicamoments]

County Cup Derailed

Introduction

I’d been looking forward to Sunday’s County Cup game for a few weeks. What’s so special about a County Cup you may ask; after all, there are quite a few cup games played every few weeks throughout the season.

This one had an added element of being a derby game, and not two nearby clubs…but two teams from the same club!

Fate had drawn Harrogate Railway’s Development team against their Reserve side…surely a fairly unique occurrence?

Then as the big day arrived, I learned that the Development team had a flu bug going around and the game had been cancelled due to them struggling to field more than eight or nine players.

So, as to not waste the 3G booking, the club decided to get as many players together to put on one last training session and game before the Christmas break. Instead of changing my plans, I decided that I would still head down to King James School to capture a few images and grab an interview.

Season Review

I went to watch the Devs game last weekend, when they took on Headingley at the Rachel Daly 3G pitch at Rossett Sports Centre; a really competitive game that they won 2-1.

Somehow this season, I hadn’t managed to catch a Railway Reserves game, so I was unsure what changes had happened since last year’s fantastic campaign when they finished third, only a few points off an automatic promotion spot.

In finishing third, Harrogate Railway Reserves had had a really good second half of the season – ending up with an overall record of 17 wins, one draw, and four losses. They earned 52 points having a goal difference of +71, which was the best in the division.

A quick look at the table shows that there are a few parallels to last season, the most obvious one being that the team are again currently third in the league.

The reserves play in the West Yorkshire County Women’s Football League Division Three. Their current record reads – played nine, won six, and lost three; and have 18 points with a goal difference of five. As there are three fewer teams in the division in 2024/25 [due to the league restructure and introduction of two additional divisions], Railway have only seven games remaining to play in the league.

With the division having nine teams down from twelve last season, it means that dropping points is more significant this time out.

Notable results this season include a 6-1 win against Forge Way Reserves; 7-0 win against Queensbury Celtic; and a 5-2 win against fourth placed Wortley. Their three losses have all been to promotion contenders Eccleshill United (8-0), Brighouse Town Firsts (7-0), and the reverse fixture against Wortley (1-0).

Eccleshill United and Brighouse Town Firsts currently sit in the top two spots in the league, both on 24 points. Eccleshill have played eight games, winning all of them and in doing so having a goal difference of +66 and are currently top of the league.

Brighouse Town have played one more game but crucially have lost one, and their goal difference is +45. Brighouse’s only reversal was a narrow 4-3 loss away at Eccleshill, which sets up the return fixture nicely.

Eccleshill and Brighouse Town were in the fourth division last year, taking the top two spots having an identical record of 19 wins and one loss, ending on 57 points, but Eccleshill becoming champions due to a superior goal difference of +136 whereas Brighouse ‘only’ had +109.

There’s also the prospect of a fascinating County Cup tie between the two in January, and Eccleshill also have a home tie against Division One’s Knaresborough Town in the League Cup in February.

Harrogate Railway Reserves remain in both cups and their next outing in the County Cup is an away game against Division Two’s Route One Rovers. Their opponents sit in fourth place in the table and are in a good vein of form having won eight and lost only three games. 

But enough stats…they can only tell you so much!

Sunday Training

Manager Alan Swales wanted to take advantage of the free weekend to get his squad together and put in a couple of extra hours of training and game-time. He also invited any of the development team that had managed to avoid being ill to join them, so that they could benefit from some extra training time with the Reserves.

As the original game time approached, it was impressive to see just how many of the squad turned up to train on a cold and blustery day. There was a yellow weather warning for strong winds on Sunday, and at times we were all getting blown around.

The wind was blowing from one end of the pitch to the other and it was interesting to see some of the goal kicks travelling easily from one penalty box to the other, usually with just one bounce, and sometimes without anyone touching the ball!

The training game was broken up into four quarters, and any thoughts that this wasn’t going to be competitive…were quickly dispelled as the ‘green’ and ‘orange’ teams were both contesting every challenge. Despite plenty of strong tackles, there were also plenty of smiles and a general feeling of enjoying the additional game time.

I’ve been covering Harrogate Railway’s teams for well over a decade and there are still plenty of familiar faces, however, there is now a large number of new [and newer] faces in the squads.

With the game booming in the country following a successful England national team’s rise in the international sphere; there is a new generation of young players entering the game at grassroots level.

This is reflected in the make-up of the extended Railway group and watching the younger players playing alongside the more established squad members, it is another indicator of just how strong the women’s game is now. It is clear that there are some very talented players emerging from their nascent ‘academy-style’ structure.

It cannot be stressed enough, that there needs to be a route for players to compete at all levels, with juniors transitioning into senior Women’s FA league football, and providing them a way of potentially earning a place in the squad of one of the top league teams.

The enthusiasm of the Railway Ladies’ players on Sunday was contagious. It didn’t matter that it was cold; dark due to the heavy cloud cover; that there were a few spots of rain; or blowing a constant gale. It is clear that they enjoyed getting together and playing football.

Oh…and the result? They shared six goals, with shouts for a penalty shoot-out to decide the game!

[leicamoments]

Railway Hold A Candle High

Harrogate Railway Ladies’ Day 2024

Sunday and I took the short drive down to Harrogate Railway to cover a day of football – not cricket as had been originally planned. Railway Ladies were putting on, what is now becoming, their annual Ladies’ Day football extravaganza.

Three games had been arranged from midday through to early evening, as well as putting on a BBQ, bar, and raffle. Railway were also supporting Candlelighters – a charity that helps the families of children who have cancer, something that is close to the hearts of a number of people in and around the club.

The first game on the main Station View pitch was Railway Reserves against Huddersfield Amateurs. Both teams play in the West Riding County Women’s Football League – with the visitors starting in Division One and the reserves in Division Three for the 2024/25 season.

This isn’t the place for me to write three match reports, you can find summaries on Railway’s website if you want to read them.

The first game…both teams were determined to win, with the reserves taking the lead initially before Huddersfield hit back. It was a close game and a good advert for preseason football, with the visitors eventually winning 3-2.

The second game featured Railway Devs taking on West Yorkshire Whippets on the second pitch next to the clubhouse; both teams will be playing in the Women’s Beginner League this next season.

Another enjoyable game to watch, with both teams competing for every ball, wanting to win but with smiles on their faces. There was a plethora of chances, but some excellent goalkeeping on both sides meant that the game was finely balanced throughout.

As the full-time whistle was blown, each team had managed to score, and it ended 1-1 – probably a fair reflection of the overall gameplay.

A quick run back to the main pitch and I found that the last game had already kicked off.

Railway Firsts were playing Brayton Belles; Railway being in the topflight of the West Riding County Women’s Football League and the visitors in Division One, the league just below.

I’d missed a goal already…but that wasn’t to prove too pivotal as Railway were to give a virtuoso performance and score freely throughout the 90 minutes. As the first team has progressed over the last couple of seasons, a few promising younger players have been drafted in, and it is having a positive effect.

I’m not too sure how far along in preseason Brayton Belles are, nor if the team that turned out at Station View on Sunday reflects the line-up that will feature in the upcoming season – so there won’t be any conclusions drawn.

What I can say – is that Railway looked very, very good. It was one of those days that everything seemed to click, and they showed how good a team they are. This could be a fantastic season for them – and I have a gut feeling that they will be up there fighting for the title come April/May 2025.

The game ended 10-1 to Railway and as the teams and supporters headed up to the clubhouse to enjoy the remainder of the evening, I packed my cameras away and reflected on how good an afternoon of sport it had been.

Congratulations to everyone responsible for making the festival of football happen, and well done to all the teams and supporters who turned up and supported the day and especially the charity.

[leicamoments]

Harrogate Railway Ladies Firsts 10-1 Brayton Belles

Railway held Ladies Day on Sunday, playing three preseason games and at the same time raising funds for Candlelighters - a charity that helps the families of children with cancer.

The story of the day will be published in the next few days - but for now, here are an initial set of images from the third game of the 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]

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!

[leicamoments]

Penguins and Whales

Harrogate Railway Reserves 5-2 Lower Hopton Devs

This last month has really summed up 2023 – weatherwise. It has really been awful, with grassroots sport being disrupted by either frozen pitches or waterlogged ones. It seems that if it isn’t penguin-friendly weather, then the whales are happy.

For a second weekend running, the non-league men and women’s fixtures have been completely decimated, with only a handful of games being able to go ahead.

Railway’s first team fixture fell victim to the rain, but with the reserves playing on the all-weather pitch at King James School in Knaresborough, it would take the four horsemen of the apocalypse to unseat this game – apologies to the penguins and whales!

It didn’t mean that the WRCWFL Third Division game wouldn’t be subject to the elements – we had the occasional gust of strong wind, various forms of rain…from misty in the cloud type stuff, through drizzle, all the way to a good soaking.

The other problem was the light…it started dark because of the heavy overcast clouds and got darker. At half time, there were nervous glances up at the floodlights, wondering if they could be put on [spoiler alert – they weren’t] and to be honest, by the end of the 90 minutes, the clouds were parting and the last of the day’s sun shone briefly before setting behind the hill and clouds clinging to the horizon.

The game itself was a rollercoaster that matched the conditions. Railway started strong in the first five minutes before a good and determined Lower Hopton imposed themselves on the game and took a well-deserved two goal lead by the end of the first half.

To be frank, it looked like a lost cause for the home team, as the visitors had been clinical in front of goal to score two well taken shots. The only downside for the Lower Hopton squad was the unfortunate injury to one of their defenders that saw her have to go off and play no further part in the game.

[We wish her all the best and hope that the injury isn’t too bad – given that Christmas is just around the corner.]

Railway had had chances in the first half…but they weren’t clearcut and they hadn’t made the keeper work hard enough.

The second 45 kicked off and to be honest, the Devs picked up where they had left off and no matter what Railway tried, it just didn’t seem to be happening for them. It wasn’t that they weren’t playing well…it was just one of those days that attacks seemed to fall apart in the final third of the pitch.

When I say one of those days…well, it was really one of those hours…because with 30 minutes to go and the points seemingly heading home with the visitors…the Harrogate team did something special.

In a mad two-minute spell, first Georgia France and then Fiona Salter fired Railway back on terms, leaving the visitors shellshocked.

Lower Hopton tried to rally, rid themselves of the sense of panic and get their game going once more; but Harrogate Railway had the bit between their teeth and weren’t going to let them off the hook. [I know...mixed metaphors there...but let's roll with it]

This was an enthralling fixture now, both teams capable of scoring with each attack, but wary when having to defend. The next goal would be crucial…and it was Fiona who got her second and The Rail’s third to edge the home team in front for the first time in the game.

A shot by Railway’s Tracey Flemming saw the visiting keeper desperately grabbing for the ball as it was going over the goal line. There were claims for a goal, but VAR confirmed the Ref’s view that the whole of the ball hadn’t actually gone over the line – and it was a great save in the end.

April Kennedy had been lively all afternoon, tormenting the visiting defenders, and it was April who got Harrogate Railway’s fourth with minutes left on the clock to make the result safe at 4-2.

Any thoughts that the reserves were finished for the afternoon were soon dispelled as Jade Webster joined the others on the scoresheet to make it 5-2 and deservedly crown a great performance by her.

The final whistle blew, and Harrogate Railway Reserves had scored five, earned three points and moved themselves up to third in the table, level on points with second-placed Skipton Town Devs and only three points behind Lower Hopton.

Last year, the reserves got started after Christmas with the first half of the season being rather difficult as they tried to settle into the league [being a newly formed team] – this year they have hit the ground running and will surely challenge for one of the two automatic promotion spots.

Well played both teams!

[leicamoments]

Did Scotton Scorch The Railway?

Sunday evening saw Railway's only team to play at the weekend (both men and women - due to the weather) take to the pitch at Rossett Sports Centre on the Rachel Daly 3G Pitch.

Harrogate Railway Devs played Scotton Ladies in the Harrogate Women's Beginner League; this particular league hasn't been going that long and, not surprisingly, I've not covered any games in the league ever.

Both teams settled into the game quickly and created chances to score, however, it was Railway that made the initial breakthrough in the first half and went in at half time leading.

Second half and as the light rapidly faded and the floodlights flickered on, chances flowed at both ends of the pitch, but it was Railway who scored twice to secure their win and end the game at the top of the league.

There were some superb skills on show, with a few stunning saves made by both keepers to keep the score to just 3-0. Congrats to both teams for playing the game in the right spirit and for putting on a really entertaining match.