York City Ladies switch their attention towards the League Cup when hosting Boldon CA Villa in a second round tie at Haxby Road on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.00pm).
The Minsterbelles secured a 1-1 draw with Farsley Celtic courtesy of a second-half equaliser from former Bradford City centre-back Laura Midgley in their latest outing a fortnight ago – and only their second since the end of November.
City Ladies were previously beaten League Cup finalists as recently as May 2014, when leading goalscorer Alicia Smith’s first-half opener was later cancelled out by a trio of Guiseley replies.
And they actually departed the competition on penalties at Norton & Stockton Ancients at this exact stage last season, despite a very late equaliser from Ellie Regan following a 1-1 extra-time draw.
Photo: Ian Parker
Striker Lucy Lendhill in recent action against Farsley Celtic
The Belles began their challenge this time around with a narrow 1-0 victory against lower-ranked Boro Rangers in early September. Kayleigh Davis scored the only goal after her initial 58th minute penalty was saved by keeper Phoebe Townsend.
Meanwhile, weekend opponents Boldon are currently third in the division directly below them having won six of their opening ten league games.
Those include recent comprehensive home triumphs against Cramlington United (6-0) and Guisborough (5-0) after earlier suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat at the traditionally strong Norton & Stockton in their County Cup.
Photo: Ian Parker
Kayleigh Davis scored a first round winner against Boro Rangers
To reach this stage of the competition, Villa were 2-1 winners at league rivals Blyth Lions in September, courtesy of goals from Allison Ferris and Ebony Foster.
However, their main threat appears more likely to be provided by the prolific Elizabeth Thompson-Clarke, with already seventeen goals to her credit in just seven appearances.
Those include all four in a 4-0 success at York RI in November – one of four hat-tricks she’s managed so far this season.
Otherwise, there’s a couple of important league games with North East Regional Premier League leaders Durham Cestria visiting bottom club Wakefield and third-placed Hartlepool United hosting RACA Tynedale. 
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