BRADFORD (Park Avenue) went into their Regional Northeast League game away to Farsley Juniors Ladies full of confidence after playing well in recent matches without reward.

Bradford took a 1–0 lead into the break through Millie West.

West scored two further goals to complete her hat-trick. Avenue put in their best performance this season so far, but, with 15 minutes to go, Farsley had got one back. A Tara Nolan penalty made for a nervous last five minutes, however Avenue held on to record a 3–2 win, their first of the season.

Bradford are at Horsfall on Sunday for a return Southern Division match against Harworth Colliery.

Brighouse Town played Loughborough Lightning in a FA Northern Premier Division bottom-of-the-table clash. Manager Rob Mitchell gave a start to new loan signing Ruby Clarke, who has played for Sheffield United since the age of 10.

There were many chances for both sides, with Town’s Becky Flaherty making quite a few good saves, as the sides fought out an entertaining goal-less draw.

The West Riding County Cup games were finally concluded. Silsden showed courage, determination and lots of fight against Regional Northeast side Altofts but lost 5–1, and Eldwick Junior Lionesses u13s lost their Junior Trophy tie with Pontefract Collieries 8–3.

The West Riding County League Cup Round-of-16 dominated the day’s proceedings that saw Bradford City’s u21s eliminated from the competition after losing 5–3 at home to Wortley.

Field were at home to County Premier team Brighouse Sports, in a very evenly-matched game played on a boggy, heavy pitch.

In an exciting game to watch, Field put in a good all-round performance, with outstanding goalkeeping from Emily Mckinley keeping the scoreline at bay, but the game was unfortunately decided by a second-half penalty that saw Brighouse Sports through to the next round.

Ilkley Town hosted Yorkshire Amateur.

After a slightly-slow start, Ammers got into their stride to lead 5–1 at the break through Tara Flaherty, Megan Robson-Owens and a Tanya Fozzard hat-trick, with Izzy Armstrong responding for the Baht’atters. The second half saw Ammers score six more to finish 11–1 up.

Manager Claire Armstrong remarked: “Despite being comprehensively beaten by a very good team that could arguably play higher, I’m so proud of my players whose conduct and behaviour is outstanding regardless of the result. Our exciting journey continues!”

Skipton Town’s Firsts faced strong opponents and County Fourth front-runners Knaresborough Town.

Skipton Town were seemingly comfortable in possession of the ball, moving it around well; and Knaresborough Town settled quickly to get on the ball and work it forward.

Just before half-time, a Knaresborough clearance worked its way to Skipton’s Ali Smith, and the cross/shot alluded Boro’s goalkeeper and left her with no chance of saving. Knaresborough tried to respond with two good shots from Lorna Wilkinson, however it was Skipton who had the advantage at the interval.

Skipton Town were on the front foot right from the restart. A succession of throw-ins and attacks saw them working the ball across the Boro’ penalty box and from one such move on 48 minutes, a Holly Morgan shot from close range saw them double their lead. On 65 minutes the ball travelled all the way across the Boro’ penalty box, then back towards the centre of the pitch just outside the box. Beth Bancroft controlled the ball, looked up and fired in a shot. The ’keeper got down to get a hand on the ball but couldn’t keep it out of the net. From a throw-in, Rachel Carmichael picked up possession on Boro’s right wing, looked up and crafted a beautiful pass into Wilkinson who turned, saw the keeper off her line and curled a beautiful shot around the stopper into the goal to get one back for the visitors. There were further chances for the visitors however it’s Skipton who are in this week’s draw.

Meanwhile in the League Shield, Skipton’s second string were also in action on the adjacent pitch, as they also delivered against a side two divisions above them. The 2–1 win against Dewsbury Rangers saw two goals from Mia Themistocleous and some fantastic saves from Laura Thurling to progress.

Athletico had a slow start against Leeds Hyde Park Seconds but were soon in command with a hat-trick from Sanah Razaq. Rimshah Amin took the ball after receiving it from left-back Hamza Khan, ran down the wing from the half way line, taking on half the opposition and slotting it home for the first of her two goals on the day. Safa Ejaz on the other wing had a field day, so much freedom on the right-hand side and she utilised it amazingly, scoring a worldie and making amazing runs. Sadyha Akhtar danced past several players to score a spectacular goal for a well-deserved 7–0 win.

Tyersal were away to Brayton Belles, and found themselves 8–0 down at half-time.

Tyersal came out in the second half looking to upset Belles’ rhythm. A further Brayton goal was followed by a Tyersal free-kick, with Lauren Burnett striking the ball well, just out of reach of the visitors’ goalkeeper and dipping under the bar. There were further chances for the Robins, but they ended up going out 12–1.

Burley Trojans played a good hard-fought game against a spirited Queensbury Celtic side.

A close-fought encounter had seen Nic Frankland and Hannah Spivey put Troggs 2-0 up, but ten minutes from the end Queensbury fought back through Orla Durkin and, with virtually the last kick of the game, equalised through Katie Waters.

Burley won the ensuing shoot-out 3–0, featuring a brilliant save from substitute goalkeeper Becky Clark.

Queensbury’s Jess Maurice commented: “I think the girls played really well today, battling for every ball ’til the final whistle despite the conditions. I’m proud of the graft we put in and the progress from training is really starting to show in games.”