Our local women’s football teams are currently playing some Ppre-season friendlies, as they continue their preparation for the new season that starts on September 1 for most teams.

Eldwick Lionesses were away to Batley Ladies, who were playing their first-ever game at Carters Field. Batley’s team included Lillie Lawson, who was their player of the match.

Eldwick got off to a flying start, with three goals early doors through errors, whilst Batley were trying to shake off their initial nerves and struggling to deal with the pace of Eldwick’s front three. A stronger first-half display then followed where Batley were able to match the competitiveness and quality. Batley pulled one back with some strong counter-attacking play – the ball fell kindly in the middle of the box for their first-ever goal.

The second half started with Batley having some early chances and they began to make their mark on the game, with two further goals for each team in an even twenty-minute period, to make the score 6–3. However, Eldwick scored five clinical goals in quick succession for an 11–3 win at the end.

Farsley Celtic Women took a 23-man squad to their first pre-season friendly against Horsforth St Margaret’s at Cragg Hill.

The Celts found themselves 2–0 down on the half-hour mark. Skipper Lauren Rigby's long-range effort went through the ’keeper’s hands to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.

The second half saw Horsforth score two more to extend their lead, with Farsley playing catch-up throughout the game, eventually ending in a 9–6 loss.

A good performance at Golcar saw the Celts 3–1 up at half time.

Farsley went further ahead, but two quick-fire goals saw Golcar back in the game. However, two quick-fire goals from Farsley saw them taking a 6–3 lead, going on to win 7–3 in an action-packed second half.

Halifax FC Women were away to Chorley, who have been playing in their present form since 1983, making them the second-oldest team in the UK. A new-look Eagles, who have had several recent changes to their playing personel, were unable to get on the score-sheet and lost 4–0 to their Division One North opponents.

Leeds United were away to another long-established side, Doncaster Rovers Belles, who have actually been playing since 1969.

They were competing for the Julie Chipchase Memorial Trophy, in a friendly fixture celebrating the life of one of women’s football’s pioneers, with the former star having played for, and managed, the Belles, before leading the Whites to their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final.

The afternoon also saw the official launch of the Julie Chipchase Coaching Legacy, a charitable organisation providing financial support for aspiring female coaches to study for their FA badges.

After dominating the early proceedings, new signings Ellie White and Amy Woodruff made it 2–0 to Leeds with just under 20 minutes of time remaining.

The hosts did pull one back to ensure a nervy ending at the Eco-Power Stadium, but Sian Gibrill-Keating’s late goal sealed a 3–1 victory for Leeds.

Queensbury Celtic welcomed Crofton Sports to Pit Lane.

A full-strength Queensbury gained a 4–1 advantage against an injury-ravaged Crofton, with the visitors fighting back to make it 5–3 to the hosts at the end.

It was a good run‐out for both teams, with Lily Greenwood (2), Sanaa Bashir, Jess Skelding and Emily Lazenby on target for Celtic, with Kirsty Allen (2) and Sophie Dooler replying for Sports.

Skipton Town recorded a 4–2 win against Knaresborough Town.

Wyke Wanderers played a well-organised Altofts at Thornton rec. Wyke battled well, with a lot of good chances created, but lost 3–1 on the day, with a goal from Beth Vickers. Both teams played well, with Nat. Bell declared Player-of-the-match.

This Sunday’s friendlies: Dewsbury Rangers v. Brighouse Sports; Eccleshill v. Silsden; Harrogate Railway v. Skipton; Huddersfield Amateur Reserves v. Queensbury; Ilkley (First) v. Leeds Medics; Ossett v. Farsley; Salts v. Burley; Wyke v. Route One.

Looking ahead, the new season starts on 1 September for the NERWFL and WRCWFL. Full fixtures are available on fulltime, with the following teams scheduled to be at home on opening day: Bradford City Women, Bradford City u23, Brighouse Sports, Brighouse Town (First), Burley Trojans, Crossley Belles Whites, Eccleshill United, Field, Forge Way Reserves, Halifax Friendly and Ilkley Town Development. Please note that some teams may have changed their home venue since last season.