Airedale Men - Despite a 4-2 defeat at the hands of top of the table Slazengers, Airedale men are in a strong position to gain the second promotion spot to division 1 of the Yorkshire Leagues. In addition, The Keighley based mens side, will face Hull University in the semi-final of the Yorkshire 1st XI cup competition.

Slazengers started strong and put the visiting side under considerable pressure. They were awarded two debated penalty stroke decisions, but Airedale's protests were in vain. The home side took an early two-goal lead and kept it until the break. In the second half Airedale played well and if their hopes of winning the league were to be achieved they knew that they needed to win. Slazengers defended well with their keeper making several fine saves. The inevitable happened and Slazengers extended their lead through some stylish counter attacking play and clinical finishing. Airedale never give up. The pace of the game increased and started to reward some excellent movement by the visitors. First Neil Horsman, released Nick Pedley down the left wing who's cross to Pursey on the edge of the D set up the first goal. Pursey need one touch to steady the ball then smashed it into the bottom right corner of the goal. Seconds later a strong run from Pedley, with a neat one two with Pursey on the edge of the D allowed Pedley to lift the ball over the diving keeper.

Slazengers showed signs of panic and the last five minutes were hectic with Pursey missing the target by inches and the home defence struggling to clear the ball. It was all too little too late and it is now a simple formality that Slazengers will win the league.

Slazengers went on to beat third place Acomb, which strengthens Airedales claim to the second promotion spot.

Skipton

Skipton ladies have taken control of Division 1 with a valuable win over top place Huddersfield Dragons.

Dragons are the only side to have beaten Skipton this season and that needed them to come back from 2-0 down. The game was always going to be tight and resulted in very few chances. Skipton were only to well aware of the threat that Many Sowerby, 39 times England striker, presented.

Fiona Wood, was given the task of keeping Sowerby in her own half of the pitch. A magnificent effort denied Sowerby any real chances of scoring. Man of the Match, Jackie Abbot had to play out of position to cover for the injured Deb Nelson. She put in an awesome performance, marshalling the defence and counter attacking at every opportunity.

A very physical game resulted in some impressive tackling by both teams and the equally dangerous Mary Morris was kept under wraps for most of the game. She only needed one chance to punish the visiting side. Lisa Cooper made a strong run from the twenty five-yard line and Morris broke free from her marker and found space on the left of the D. A slip pass from Cooper gave Morris the shooting chance. The keeper saved but fumbled and Cath Galimore was on hand to tap the ball over the line.

In the second half the Dragons were fired up, but outstanding tackling form Abbott and co left them with a single shot on target that Mandy Booth saved. Skipton could have had a second but the umpire stopped time, just as Linda Stewart was putting the ball into the net, to deal with a badly injured player. Skipton dominated the closing minutes of the game and well deserved their three points.

Next week they face third place Acomb Ladies away. A win would make promotion a formality and certainly set them up as clear championship favourites.

Airedale Ladies

Airedale knew it would be hard match against top of the table Chapeltown. Against expectation, Airedale dominated the first 15 minutes. Strong running and committed tackling denied the visitors time to settle. A skilful dribble from just outside the 25 yard line saw Gaynor Pedley weave through a stunned Chapletown defence and place the ball into the goal. The visitors lifted their game and began to apply pressure but some great defending by Fiona Wood, Janice Baird and Alex Dallas denied Chapeltown any open scoring Ultimately the visitor were able to get on equal terms through a penalty corner goal.

Second half started much the same way as the first with the Airedale midfield working valiantly, in particular Georgie Roberts, Claire Howarth and Gaynor Pedley The pressure was too much for Chapletown, and the ensuing short corner was clinically finished by inspirational captain Janice Baird. The equalising goal was scored in controversial circumstances when the home side believed the ball had gone out of play, during a short corner move, but the umpire played on.

Two late short corner goals gave Chapeltown the points and their 100% record in tact. Chapeltown, who have found this division easy, admitted that Airedale did give them a run for their money.

Juniors

Junior sessions have resumed at Marley, 9 - 10:30 every Sunday Morning. Boys and Girls of all ages are welcome and we are currently looking for under 12 and under 14 boys or girls who want to represent the Bradford District in this Years Millenium Youth Games. For further details come down on a Sunday morning.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.