Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham FC Women 0 York City Ladies 3

Altrincham FC Women’s historic Adobe Women’s FA Cup run ended in the third round proper at the hands of York City Ladies, who beat the Robins 3-0 at The J.Davidson Stadium. 

Daryll Abrahams’ side were the lowest ranked side remaining in the competition and put up a valiant fight against a York side two leagues higher.

The visitors started the game brightly, forcing Olivia Kaleta into her first of many good save after three minutes, diving to her right to push away a York City header.

10 minutes later, the Alty shot stopper prevented the Minster Belles from close range, before producing a sensational stop, tipping a deflected effort onto the post.

During 60 seconds of madness for the Altrincham defence, York City Ladies struck twice within the space of 60 seconds to take a two goal lead midway into the first half. A low cross from the right was tapped home at the back post by Ruby Watt.

From kick-off, the visitors immediately regained possession, with captain Katie Astle producing a delightful chip over the onrushing Kaleta to double the advantage.

York volleyed over at the back post from a corner, though for the final 15 minutes of the first half, whilst the Minster Belles enjoyed plenty of possession, they were unable to create any more opportunities.

A rare Altrincham chance came nine minutes into the second half. Milla Jacobson looked the brightest spark in the Altrincham attack, her left footed effort from the edge of the box was drilled inches wide of the right post.

Kaleta continued to keep the scoreline to just two, producing multiple impressive stops, the most notable saw her palm the ball wide for a corner.

York substitute Sophie Bentley had a couple of big chances to seal the game with 15 minutes to go, firing wide on a counter attack which left the Altrincham defence outnumbered. Bentley then struck the crossbar from a 25-yard free kick just left of centre.

The Robins came closest through Jacobson’s free kick from the left flank with two minutes remaining. It was whipped into the penalty area and flicked on by player of the match Irey Bamigboye, but Kira Saycell couldn’t quite latch onto it at the back post.

York found a third, though it did take until the 90th minute. Katie Varley headed home from close range.

The cup exit concludes 2025 for Altrincham FC Women, though with the Robins in the quarter final of the Cheshire FA Women’s Cup and eight league games remaining, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the new year.