BORO Ladies halted their recent run of poor form with a fine win in the final of North Riding Ladies' Cup coasting to a 3-0 win to take the cup for a third successive season.

Boro only had a squad of 12 players available due to several long term injuries to some of their regular players, while York were at full strength with a squad of 17.

Boro started well and proved too strong for York with several efforts on goal being thwarted by the keeper or the woodwork. But in the 17th minute they took the lead when 16year-old Ashleigh Leighton fired home an unstoppable free-kick from 25 yards.

More pressure followed from Boro and efforts from Manning, Lyle and Stephenson went close. Eventually the pressure told and after 33 minutes a brilliant shot from Becky Stephenson flew into the net.

York battled away but couldn't manage to trouble Boro 's keeper Bullen, even when they won four corners in succession just before half time. In fact Boro should have gone even further ahead with near misses from Duckling and Turnbull.

Boro were playing against the strong wind in the 2nd half but went 3-0 up in the 48th minute when a great through ball from Duckling to Steph Turnbull caught out York's defence and she coolly slotted the ball into the far corner.

Boro totally commanded the rest of the match, playing with ease and confidence. They created several more excellent opportunities, including two strong penalty appeals, but couldn't add to their tally.

It was the third year in succession that Middlesbrough had won this cup and fifth time out of the last seven.

Next Sunday Boro travel to Morley Spurs to continue their league programme, with their next three games coming away from home.

*MFC LADIES are currently inviting enquiries from anyone interested in joining their coaching/managing staff for next season, Please contact Marrie on 07854 293090, or e mail marrie.wieczorek@mfcp.co.uk