#Harrogate Women's Beginner League

[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.

[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!

[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.