Moors Ladies suffered their first defeat of the new campaign as Thornaby ran out 1-0 winners at The Brewery Field on Sunday afternoon.

Nikita Hemmingway’s side were always expecting a tough encounter against a Thornaby outfit who have started 2025/26 impressively and arrived sitting top of the formative NERWFL Premier Division table.

A typically competitive opening to the game provided little in the way of clear-cut chances, though Coral Colledge almost put Moors in front when her cross almost deceived the keeper and crept in.

The visitors had their first opportunity midway through the first half but talented young Moors keeper Philippa Hunter was right behind the shot and made a tidy save.

Things continued to be tight after the restart with Amy Elliott trying her luck from long-range with an effort which was gathered by the keeper.

However, Thornaby broke the deadlock on 54 minutes when Sophie Curle’s outstanding curling effort from outside the area flew into the back of the Moors net.

Katy Hemmingway and Amy Richardson both came close to bringing Moors back on level terms in the closing stages, but Thornaby also had a couple of chances to double their lead on the break.

In the end, the visitors held on for three points and consolidated their position at the summit of the table by inflicting a first defeat of the season on Moors.

“I think we were a bit unlucky this afternoon,” said Hemmingway afterwards.

“We played really well in the first half, and we knocked Thornaby out of their rhythm at times, but we just didn’t take our chances when we got them.

“It’s a tough one to take but we have to put that behind us now and start planning for that big game in the FA Cup at Huddersfield Town next time out.”

Full Time: Moors 0 Thornaby 1

Moors: Hunter, A Elliott, C Colledge, M Elliott, McIntosh, Hodgson, White-Mellish, Richardson, Hemmingway, Reed, Robinson.
Subs: Doogan, Drinkald, Norton, Garcia, Priestley.