Boro Ladies continue pre-season with Brayton Belles defeat

Scarborough Ladies FC’s new open age side continued their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Brayton Belles of Selby.
Aimee Ireland charges down the ball with the Brayton Belles keeper quickly out of her box to clean up the pressure. Pictures: Steve LillyAimee Ireland charges down the ball with the Brayton Belles keeper quickly out of her box to clean up the pressure. Pictures: Steve Lilly
Aimee Ireland charges down the ball with the Brayton Belles keeper quickly out of her box to clean up the pressure. Pictures: Steve Lilly

With 20 players available manager James Hunter and coach Leila Murphy picked two sides which played 45 minutes each, with a mixture of old and new players in each side.

The side’s first half was marred by a serious back injury sustained by defender Jess Brookman in the opening minutes.

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After a heavy fall following a challenge Brookman fractured her spine and is still in hospital recovering. Everyone at the club wishes her well.

Beth Taylor aims to beat an opponent as she keeps her eye on the ballBeth Taylor aims to beat an opponent as she keeps her eye on the ball
Beth Taylor aims to beat an opponent as she keeps her eye on the ball

The side struggled to overcome their experienced opponents in blustery conditions at Sherburn, and eventually went down 7-0, in a game played over three 30 minute periods.

Manager Hunter said: “We faced a strong team in Brayton, and we saw plenty of areas in which our girls need to improve.

“We have three training sessions prior to the new season, and our priority is to work on where we need to improve to be able to compete in what will be a tough league.

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“We have been together about eight weeks, whereas the opposition we have been facing in pre-season have many years’ experience behind them.

“But we are determined and will remain positive in our aims.

“We have a relatively young squad, but there’s plenty of potential within.

“With dedication and effort there’s no reason why we can’t hold our own and maybe throw in a surprise or two this season.”

The ladies open their North Riding Women’s League season at Sherburn on Sunday September 6 with the visit of Stokesley (KO 2pm) in what will be a tough test for the newly-formed side.