Middlesbrough and York City look ahead to a repeat of last year’s North Riding Cup Final at Stokesley on April 27th, where Boro last time were 3-0 winners.
This year, both sides have also accepted an ‘off the pitch’ challenge in order to increase awareness of the women’s game and look to raise interest in the final. The challenge will see the school or organisation with the highest number of supporters at the game get a visit from the winning team.
Middlesbrough reached the final beating Fishburn 10-0 and Kader 6-0, while fellow finalists York had a 3-0 win over Guisborough Town and a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough Lionesses. It’s hoped that the game on Sunday 27th April in Stokesley will match the excitement of last year’s final.
MFC Ladies’ Nicky Duckling (pictured) said: “This challenge is a great idea as both teams want to get the best possible atmosphere at the game. We love seeing new and old faces in the crowd. Ideas like this to get more people to the game are great because we really do feel the support for the team on the pitch”
“Playing in a cup final is a great achievement and there’s no doubt that we will be looking for a similar kind of result as last year”
York City Ladies’ Sara Renfrew agreed: “We have had a great cup run this season and we’re looking forward to meeting Boro again in the final”
“If we can get a few new fans down for the final and hopefully build upon that next season it can only benefit the side. Women’s Football is on the increase and we both want to do all we can to help.”
The fixture will also be a Respect event with Teesside and North Yorkshire Girls Centre of Excellence U-11s representing their respective teams as ball girls, mascots and flag bearers for North Riding County FA.
Jennie Bennett, Respect Lead Officer for North Riding FA said: “Respect is an important factor of every fixture and it’s fantastic to see the commitment that our Junior teams have for the Respect programme which helps keep football fair and safe for all”.
York City Ladies FC v Middlesbrough Ladies FC
The North Riding County FA Cup Final
Sunday 27th April
North Riding FA, Fleet Lane, Broughton Rd, Stokesely, Middlesbrough TS9 5NY
2pm KO
Tickets: £2 Adults and Children £1
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