Halifax FC Women booked their place into the next round of the West Riding County cup with another emphatic win in the tournament, beating Knaresborough Town 11-0 on a windy and rainy Sunday afternoon.

The game started very positively for Halifax, with a goal from Monique Watson in the very first minute of the game, who was played in behind the Knaresborough defence, finishing calmly past the keeper for the opening goal. Ellie White followed up with a goal of her own, Darcie Greene finding White with a cut-back who made no mistake of the finish after 7 minutes of play.

Darcie Greene found herself on the scoresheet 10 minutes later, coming onto a rebounded effort, rounding the defender with composure to finish calmly into an open net. 3-0 after 17 minutes.

Knaresborough dug in deep, looking to break on the counter whenever possible and a few good chances were beaten back by the Halifax defenders who controlled the back line with confidence. 

The remainder of the half was controlled by Halifax, with some chances for Knaresborough to break on the counter. They also attempted some long range efforts, taking advantage of the tricky weather conditions.

Half time: Halifax 3 – 0 Knaresborough Town

The second half started with Halifax once again on top, but couldn’t find their way past the resolute defence of Knaresborough.

Ellie White scored her second of the day in the 53rd minute with an excellent finish, giving the Knaresborough keeper little chance of saving it. Meg Boydell scored only two minutes later, with another brilliant strike into the top right corner, making it 5-0 after 55 minutes played.

The terrible conditions caused by the weather didn’t slow Halifax down, their high intensity paid off after White was brought down in the penalty area, winning and scoring the penalty with confidence to secure her hat trick after 61 minutes.

Danielle Whitham scored 6 minutes later, with a brilliant run and an even better finish seeing Whitham on the scoresheet to make it 7-0 after 67 minutes.

Lucy Sowerby added another goal after a long absence due to injury, a right footed shot into the bottom right corner to make it 8-0 to the Eagles after 71 minutes. Only four minutes later, young talent, Izzy Armson secured her place on the scoresheet in the 75th minute as Halifax kept the pressure on, 9-0.

In the 80th minute, Ellie White scored again after an excellent cross from Armson found White who finished tidily to make it 10-0 in the 80th minute.

In the 85th minute, Watson was brought down in the penalty area after a late challenge caught her. Sowerby made no mistake from the spot, making it 11-0 to Halifax right at the end of the game. 

The referee brought the second half to an end, marking a brilliant Halifax win.

Full time: Halifax FC Women 11-0 Knaresborough Town

Rob Mitchell gave his thoughts after the game: 

“We got through unscathed, no injuries, a clean sheet and a few players on the score sheet which is good.”

“They (Knaresborough Town) had a few injuries but each time they got back up and dusted themselves off.”

He also spoke about the conditions of the game:

“The worst conditions I think I’ve ever been involved in.”

Next up: Halifax FC Women are back in league action on Sunday 28th January at 2pm, where they will play Huddersfield Town in the FAWNL cup. Follow @halifaxfcwomen on X for more updates on venue, times etc.