York City Ladies are bidding to end a sequence of three successive defeats when visiting Wallsend Boys Club Ladies on Sunday (kick-off 2.00pm).
The Minsterbelles went down at home to East Yorkshire Carnegie last time out by a 2-1 scoreline despite substitute Ellie Regan claiming only their second goal of the season.
However, it was still a young and developing team including four of last season’s successful reserves in goalkeeper Leigh Bamford, defenders Gemma Croft and Charlie Shaw, in addition to forward Alice Turner.
There was also a further start for summer recruit Rachel Humble, while another newcomer, former Bradford City centre-back Laura Midgley, unfortunately missed out having suffered a metatarsal injury during the recent defeat to RACA Tynedale.
Photo: Ian Parker
Midfielder Beth Clayton picked up a knock against Tynedale
Midfielders Nikki Brown (quad) and Beth Clayton (knee) similarly received knocks and have since been unavailable. Added to those highly-rated homecoming duo Chloe Precious and Jazz Whitwell are yet to feature this season due to injury.
There was though a welcome return to action for last season’s top scorer Megan Bramham against East Yorkshire Carnegie, with regular left-back Helen Winterburn also recalled to the bench.
Photo: Ian Parker
All-action Nikki Brown was another recent casualty for the Belles
Latest opponents Wallsend have proved strong opponents over the past year and twice defeated City last season, although the second of those was the unfortunate ‘walkover’ victory in March.
The hosts are currently second in the table having won all three of their league games, those at the expense of East Yorkshire Carnegie (H 3-1), Castleford White Rose (A 6-1) and RACA Tynedale (A 3-1).
Notably Samantha Deverdics already has nine goals for them in all competitions this season, including a couple hat-tricks.
Elsewhere, there’s a full programme of league games on Sunday afternoon, with leaders Durham Cestria travelling to RACA Tynedale and third-placed Norton & Stockton Ancients at home to Farsley Celtic.
Hartlepool United v East Yorkshire Carnegie and Wakefield v Castleford make up the remaining fixtures. 
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