With the league title already safely tucked away, Driffield might have been forgiven for turning up to this one in slippers and with a cup of tea. Someone did come without trainers ?half way there. But despite the job already being done for the season, they still decided they quite fancied another win and Harrogate 2s were the unfortunate recipients.

From the pushback it was clear Harrogate hadn’t come for a quiet afternoon. They were feisty, energetic and clearly keen to test the champions. Unfortunately for them, Driffield were in the mood to remind everyone why they’d already wrapped up the league.

The home side started brightly and it wasn’t long before Charlotte opened the scoring, calmly slotting home a Tuplin classic disguised to get Driff on the board. The pressure continued to build and Bry soon doubled the lead intercepting a free hit from the Harrogate defence to strike from top. This gave Driffield a comfortable 2–0 advantage at half time.

The break did little to calm things down. Harrogate kept battling, some more aggressively than others, but Driffield’s control of the game only grew stronger. Hannah added the third with a well-taken finish, tapping in a cross from Kate on the post, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

With the game opening up, Driffield kept pushing forward. Amber joined the scoresheet with a tidy finish, taken confidently around the keeper and Emily rounded things with a straight strike from a short corner down the barrell off to make it five, because apparently winning the league already wasn’t quite satisfying enough.

Despite the scoreline, Harrogate deserve credit for their spirit and physical approach, keeping the game lively throughout. But on the day, the champions simply had the edge.

A 5–0 win, another dominant performance, and proof that even when the title’s already won, Driffield still quite enjoy the whole “scoring goals and winning games” thing.

With a goal difference of 92, and 18 points clear of their closest rival Leeds 4s, Driffield will be keen to face them next week in their season finale - can they make it a century?

Girly-Amber Scott
Donkey-Tupper

Thanks to Deano at The Spread for teas as always.