Caitlin Bates scored twice as Moors Ladies roared back to form during their trip to York RI on Sunday when they ran out impressive 4-0 winners at New Lane.
Brent Smithson’s side were in need of a victory after suffering a little stutter in form during recent weeks, but the three points never looked in doubt against York.
Bates was at the heart of the weekend’s eye-catching win as she hit the net twice to celebrate her first goals since rejoining the Club last month.
With injuries still biting, Smithson had to shuffle his pack once again for Sunday’s short trip, but they got off to the perfect start and were in front with less than 15 minutes on the clock when Bates fired home from the penalty spot.
It was the confidence boost Moors were looking for and it gave them the perfect platform to go on and dominate the first half, creating numerous chances to extend their lead.
They finally did make it 2-0 on the stroke of half time when lively forward Lily Jackson pounced on some hesitation in the York defence to find the net and give Smithson’s side some breathing space.
Moors continued to set the pace at the start of the second half and made the points safe on 53 minutes when Bates shot from distance proved too hot to handle for the home side’s keeper and found the back of the net.
It got even better for Moors on the hour. Amy Elliott’s incisive through ball set Holly Doogan away on goal and she kept her composure to produce a fine finish and make it 4-0.
After that, it was just a case of Moors controlling the game and maintaining their professionalism, though they could have had more goals had they taken the chances that came their way.
“It’s a pleasing win for us and I am delighted for the girls,” Smithson said afterwards.
“We’ve had some ups and downs already this season, but you can never question the determination and the attitude – and that’s what the victory was built on today.
“It’s great to see Caitlin back among the goals and that will give her confidence going forward and hopefully the nature of the win can help us really drive on in the New Year.”
Full Time: York RI 0 Moors 4
Moors: Miller, Knox, Drinkald, Richardson, Bates, Doogan, Elliott, Jackson, Hemmingway, Dawson, Vasey.
Subs: Brischuk, Middleton.
