LAST weekend’s women’s football programme was mainly restricted to matches on all-weather pitches, including two West Riding County League First Division games.

Skipton Town entertained Silsden in a very tight game.

Skipton, who are unbeaten in the league, took the lead through Corina Riley, only for an own goal to make it all-square at the break. The young Silsden side played well, but were ultimately undone by two free kicks. The three points in the local derby were sealed by two second-half goals from Beth Bancroft, for a final score of 3–1 to Skipton.

Ilkley Town returned to action after a five-week break as they hosted a very competitive Farsley Juniors Reserves side.

Chloë Hodge and Millie Washington put Ilkley 2–0 ahead before a stunning save by Farsley Reserves’ shot stopper. The visitors pulled one back near the end but it was a pleasing, positive start to the year and a 2–1 win for the Baht’atters.

Thackley were at home to Yorkshire Amateur for a County Premier game.

Ammers started quickly on what was a very heavy pitch, with Evie Murphy securing a first-half hat-trick. They saw out the second half to come away with all three points.

In County Third, Queensbury Celtic ended up on the wrong side of an 11–0 score-line after playing Athletico, the second weekend in a row that Athletico have taken the score-line into double figures. Sanah Razaq opened the scoring after a ball over the top from Megan Sparkes, and the goals just kept on coming afterwards. Centre-back Nadia Nazir scored her first goal for the club after a solo run from the middle of the pitch. There was a faultless performance from Athletico’s goalkeeper Claire Graham, who was awarded player of the game after making some spectacular saves.

Burley Trojans won 3–0 at Kinsley via a Nic Frankland penalty and goals from Hannah Spivey and Liv Boardman.

In County Fourth, Field AFC took on Bradford United at North Halifax.

On the quarter-hour mark, an Ami Nolan corner led to a great goal from Charlotte Hill.

Field looked strong with some solid tackles and played some really good football, switching play and making some lovely 1-2 passes to build up their attacks. However a much-improved Bradford United defended well and created chances of their own.

Kirsty Setchell scored twice just before the break to set up a 3–0 half-time lead.

The second half saw Bradford United come out hungry and this paid off with them getting a goal back in the 54th minute. On the hour mark, some good football from Charlotte Hill created a chance for Sarah Binns and she didn't disappoint, scoring Field’s fourth.

Not settling for four goals, Field kept pushing, with an Anna Mitchell goal coming with ten minutes left. Kirsty Setchell completed her hat-trick just before the final whistle. Final Score 6-1.

Bradford City’s u21s were away to Harrogate Railway Reserves.

The game started very evenly, with both teams pressing the ball, and it was difficult for either to put their stamp on the game. However both first-half goals came from City’s Crystal Boyce, with the remainder of the half being end-to-end play.

The second half saw both teams playing their better football. City were the first to score through Arooba Khan, bringing their lead to 3–0. On 75’ a relentless scrap in the Bantams’ goalmouth ended in the Sulphurettes getting on the score-sheet. Two minutes later a free header from an Alyx Gregson corner gave City their fourth goal. Two minutes after that Railway’s returning player Issy Rowe hit a thundering shot from outside the area that City’s keeper couldn’t quite get her hands on. Railway finished strongly but it was City who took the points with a 4-2 win.

Next month’s West Riding County League Shield Round 2 will involve Athletico at home to County Premier strugglers Brayton Belles and Burley Trojans away at Lower Hopton Development. The Round-of-16, due to be played on 5 February will also include Skipton Town Development at home to Boroughbridge.

A reminder that if anyone is thinking of joining our local teams that the WRCWFL deadline for player registration is 1st February. Contact should be made through the relevant clubs’ social media account.

In the Regional Northeast League, Bradford (Park Avenue) were at home to Handsworth.

A poor first half saw Avenue 5–1 down at the break, despite a good goal from player of the match Millie West. An improved second half saw Avenue more involved but it was still a 6–1 loss to the Southern Division leaders.

Next weekend, Avenue are on the road at Sheffield Wednesday. Avenue are only just above basement side Wednesday on goal difference. The crucial match will take place at Sheffield Wednesday’s brand new facility on Claywheels Lane.

Bradford City are at home to Chorley in the first of two games at Horsfall Stadium. In other local fixtures, there are home games for Athletico, Bradford City u21s, Bradford City U23s, Brighouse Sports, Brighouse Town, Silsden, Skipton’s Development side, Thackley and Tyersal. However supporters are recommended to check before travelling to the ground.

In other news, the finalists for this year’s Bradford Sports Awards have been announced.

Hollie Whitaker, who plays for Queensbury Celtic, has been nominated for the Volunteer Award for her work with Bradford Disability Football Club.

In the Senior Achievers category, Bradford City manager Charlotte Stuart has been put forward for the Sportswoman Award.

Finally, Mia Enderby, who plays for Sheffield United Women, has been nominated for the Young Sportswoman Award.