When Hutton Cranswick played Manchester United

England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 has put ladies’ football on the front and back pages of the national newspapers recently.

Life will never be the same for the likes of Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly after Sarina Wiegman’s side lifted the trophy at Wembley Stadium.

It’s hoped that the victory will deliver a legacy for women and girls’ football in England, with the 23-member squad writing an open letter to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, the two Conservative party leadership candidates, urging them to ensure all young girls can play football at school.

Although Great Driffield AFC will be operating girls teams at several age groups during the 2022/23, as well as being a Weetabix Wildcats centre for five-11-year-olds, sadly there is no female adult team currently based in Driffield and the Wolds.

However, the Wolds Weekly has taken a trip down memory lane to remember a time when one local women’s team took on the might of Manchester United.

Hutton Cranswick United Ladies played at Rotsea Lane for three years in the early-mid 2000s, with the fixture against Manchester United taking place on 16th January 2005.

The club played to a high level and, as well as the Red Devils, took on other well-established sides.

At the time, United had only recently formed an official partnership with the men’s team and it was nothing like the current tie-up which has seen Marc Skinner’s play several fixtures at Old Trafford in front of near sell-out crowds.

Looking back on the home and away games against United, Jim Ezard, then chairman of Hutton Cranswick United, said that they almost fell victim to one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous stoppage time winners, so synonymous with Manchester United during the 1990s and 2000s.

“I think in those days Manchester United and us played it the second or third tier of women’s football,” said Jim.

“As well as Manchester United, we came up against Blackpool, a couple of teams from the north-east and Chester, which meant there was a fair amount of travelling involved.

“We played Manchester United both home and away. Away from home, we drew 2-2 at Manchester United’s training ground and our goalkeeper saved a penalty in ‘Fergie Time’.

“They were awarded the penalty in the 95th or 96th minute and it showed that ‘Fergie Time’ had even spread to the ladies’ team!

“And then, of course, they came down to Rotsea Lane. Both games were on MUTV, so they brought all the camera equipment with them.

“I can’t remember the final score at our place, but it was quite strange to play against a team who turned up in a huge coach with a very professional set-up.

“The team at Hutton Cranswick lasted for around three years and the reason they first came to us was that North Ferriby, where they previously played, had agreed to let Hull City Reserves use Church Road.

“That meant they were unable to accommodate the ladies’ team and they asked if they could use our ground and were willing to change their name.

“Over the three years, the people backing the team were very enthusiastic.”