THERE was a disappointing weekend for most of our local open-age women’s football teams.

In the West Riding Premier Division, Silsden lost 6–0 at Harrogate, and Thackley First lost 4–1 to Leeds Medics and Dentists, with Meg Butterworth scoring a consolation goal.

However the Dennygirls’ second-string chalked-up their second victory of the season, over at Republica Internationale. Anna Mitchell’s first-touch finish and ’Tasha Williams’ lob over the ’keeper put them 2–0 up at half-time on a challenging pitch. Centre-back Megan Howell gave a solid performance to retain the lead.

In the First Division, Skipton Town beat Ackworth 4–1, with goals from Emily Throup, Beth Bancroft (2) and Corina Riley.

Ilkley lost 10–1 to Leeds United u21, Phœnix’ Madhia Ishaq scored but they were defeated 15–1 at Farsley Junior Reserves, and Tyersal lost 1–0 to Leeds City.

Athletico were at Hemsworth for a Third Division game. A good second half, including a ‘worldy’ goal from Ikra Ali, saw many chances, but they lost 4–2 to a strong West Yorkshire Ladies side.

Queensbury Celtic, with several players unavailable, also had a tough game, but limited visitors Burley Trojans to a 1–0 half-time lead, thanks to great graft in defence and Angel Holmes’ combative performance in the middle. Troggs, playing their first-ever competitive game after forming 12 months ago, won 6–0, through a Heather Fisher-Pedley hat-trick, an Amy Rayland brace, and a thunderous Becky Clark free-kick.

Bradford Park Avenue also had a bad day at the office, as they went down 12–0 in Regional South at a much-stronger Altofts. Next Sunday they host Barnsley Ladies at Horsfall Stadium, with their Development side due to make their début against Kinsley at Hollingwood Lane. Other local games include a local derby between Athletico and Queensbury at Bradford Academy, Burley against Horsforth at Clarence Place, Ilkley entertain Leeds City, Silsden take on Ossett, Skipton host Tyersal, and Thackley Reserves are at home to a Leeds University team at Ainsbury Avenue.

The West Riding Girls’ League has expanded to include divisions at u17 and u18 level, to replace the Yorkshire u18 League.

Queensbury’s new u17 side beat Amaranth 4–1 in an entertaining game at Pit Lane, with goals from Hollie Whitaker, Orla Durkin, a sublime 50-yard shot from Emilia Senior, and an Emily Lazenby lob over the ’keeper.

Last season’s highly-successful Bradford City u16s, who were League champions, cup winners and ACES National runners-up, have moved up to u17, and opened their account with a 5–0 win against defending champions Brighouse Juniors. Their day was completed with a well-supported lap of honour at Valley Parade.

Elsewhere Brighouse Town Women's didn't play at the weekend.