BRADFORD (Park Avenue) started their North East Regional League (South) campaign at Altofts, going down 5-1.

Despite having only 10 players, Bradford put in a great performance.

They could have scored more, but there was only one goal from Millie West.

Avenue were still in contention at the break, just 2-1 down, but the team were down to nine members in the second half, which inevitably took its toll.

Bradford are at home to York RI this week. It will hopefully be part of the annual beer festival weekend at Horsfall Stadium, though the venue has yet to be confirmed.

Thackley Firsts started life in the West Riding (Premier) with a great effort against Wetherby Athletic, running away with a 5-1 victory.

Silsden beat Leeds Medics and Dentists through an Ellie Field second-half goal.

Phoenix opened their West Riding (First Division) account with a great 2-2 draw with Republica Internationale. Ikra Ali and Claire Graham were on target for Phoenix.

There was a goal-fest at Skipton, but they ended up on the wrong side of a 6-3 scoreline against relegated Middleton Athletic.

Thackley Reserves won 6-0 at newcomers West End Terriers in a Second Division game.