On another rainy afternoon, a few of our local women’s football sides were involved in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Despite playing teams two tiers above at Step 5 (Regional Premier), the teams were unfazed at playing higher-tier opposition, and played well in what were close games for at least half the match.

Ilkley Town were at home to Chesterfield, attracting 173 spectators to Ben Rhydding.

It was always going to be a challenge to beat an East Midlands Regional League side, and the team were a bit edgy in the first half. Ilkley, who were making their first-ever appearance in the competition, played well, with Player-of-the-match Reya Wilks making some good saves. Ilkley held out for 20 minutes, before a defensive error let the ‘Spirettes’ score the first of three first-half goals. Ilkley became more involved, in a good but goal-less second half, as Chesterfield won 3–0 to go through to the next round.

Wyke Wanderers were at home to East Midlands Regional League leaders Sheffield FC.

In a fairly-even first half, an unfortunate defensive header took an awkward deflection, striking the underside of the crossbar and rolling over the line after hitting the defender’s heel. Despite the unlucky own goal, Wyke dug deep and held the visitors to a 1–0 lead at half time.

Just after the break, ‘Club’ doubled their lead. Wyke Wanderers continued to defend well, including good play from Lou Molinari, as Sheffield FC played some strong counter-attacking football. With 10 minutes to go, the visitors capitalised on a fortunate opportunity to go further ahead, before the home side got one back from an unreal Lois Cooper strike. Sheffield FC skipper Nicole Kemp struck from the edge of the area, then there was another fortunate goal to the South Yorkshire side, who finished it off with a sixth in time added-on.

Farsley Celtic were 2–0 down to Bradford City until just before half time.

Lauren Rigby curled a free kick past the goalkeeper to pull one back for the Celts, then Millie Washington raced clear down the left wing at rapid speed to hit a sweetly-struck effort past City’s goalkeeper in time added-on, to level the game at 2–2. The second half saw Rigby on the edge of the area, and she unleashed another brilliant effort to give Farsley the lead. City started to dig deep and scored two close-range efforts to secure a 4–3 win.

Forge Way were away to Hull United and, despite being 1–0 down at half time, were hopeful of a result as in recent years both teams have played at Step 6. But it was not to be, as Hull scored two more in the second half to go through.

In the West Riding County League, Division Two, Route One Rovers were 2–0 up on the half-hour mark, away to a tough, in-form and unbeaten Rangers Athletic, after well-taken goals from Isma Ahmed and Rimshah Amin. In the second half, Rangers went all-out to attack, scoring from a set-piece. As Rangers gave their everything to get an equaliser, Route One’s defence, led by Husnaa Zaman, and goalkeeper Claire Graham did an amazing job to keep them at bay. Young Jeevan Jawanda livened things up for the last ten minutes, creating two further goals, with stand-in goalkeeper Kirstyn Thomas beaten by Maryam Imran and Amin in the 4–1 win.

Burley Trojans dominated their game at Hall Green, but thought that they were going to rue missed chances as they trailed 2–0 with 15 minutes to go. However, goals from Nat. Shaw, Heather Fisher and Becky Clark won it 3–2 to ‘Troggs’ late-on.

Field started brightly against Skipton Town’s Development side, creating plenty of chances, but lacking the cutting edge to convert. Field’s attack was proving too much for the Skipton defence, with their pace causing problems. On the half-hour mark, Field opened the scoring through debutant Tailla Green-Moore, with a shot from a tight angle, nestling in the far corner. Shortly after, Field doubled their lead through Amelia Jackson. In all areas of the field, the hosts worked hard to extinguish any attacking threat from Skipton. On the hour mark, Field added a third through Meg Sparkes. Skipton put in a valiant performance, and took advantage of a lapse in concentration to pull a goal back in the last minute, with 16-year-old Ellie Hollindrake scoring her first goal for the club, as it finished 3–1 to Field.

Skipton Town LFC have recently joined forces with Skipton Juniors, allowing players to seamlessly move up to Skipton’s two County League sides.

In the Premier Division, Skipton Town Firsts were at home to Morley Town. 16-year-old Hollie Nicholson added two to her tally, and Rachael Holdsworth scored her first goal for the club, in the 3–0 win that makes it three out of three for the ‘Mighty Whites’.

In Division 5A, Eldwick Lionesses faced a tough game against unbeaten Pontefract Collieries Reserves for their first home game at Marley.

After only 5’, Eldwick won the ball from the Colls’ defence, and Kate Ambrick scored. On 25’, Pontefract’s defence attempted to shield the ball for the keeper to collect, but Jessica Murphy was able to intercept it to score. Ponte tried to get back in the game, scoring on 75’, but struggled to keep up with their hosts’ pace and determination as they got no further chances. Murphy scored her second with a clean left-footed strike from just outside the box, as it finished 3–1 to Eldwick.

Division One leaders Thackley faced their first major challenge of the season, as they met third-placed Golcar United at Ainsbury Avenue.

On 7’, Golcar’s high-press caught the DennyGirls flat-footed, and a great 25-yard strike found its way under the bar. On 25’, Thackley eventually broke down Golcar’s resolute defending, with Chelsea Morton threading a neat pass into the run of Player-of-the-match Molly Ellis, who held her nerve to slide the ball into the bottom corner. Just after the break, Sophie Moulden made it 2–1 to Thackley. The remainder of the game saw Thackley running down the clock, both sides defending well to see no further goals.

Bradford City’s u23s were away to Huddersfield Amateur, but had only 10 fit players available on the day. Despite this, there was an amazing game of football at Old Earth, with good play from Paige Harris, a goal from skipper Katie Breckin, and a superb first goal from Lilia Carvalho. The hosts’ Freya Martin also scored a good goal, as Huddersfield went on to win 3–2.

In Division Three, Queensbury Celtic were at Lower Hopton Development in a well-fought game. Lily Greenwood, Lily Makrill, Morgan Myers and Lucy Roberts were back in a full Queensbury squad, but Hopton Devs had just 11 players.

Emily Lazenby kicked things off for Queensbury, but lots of pressure saw Lower Hopton leading 2–1 at half time. The second half saw a long-range free kick from Queensbury substitute Emilia Senior find its way in, to square the result at 2–2.

Next weekend’s local fixtures include: Bradford City u23s v Hepworth United, Burley Trojans v Field, Eccleshill United v Forge Way Reserves, Ilkley Town v Leeds Medics & Dentists, Queensbury v Crofton, Route One v Leeds City, Salts v Headingley United, Skipton Town v Wyke Wanderers and Tyersal v Pontefract Collieries First.

In the FA National League, Halifax FC found themselves 1–0 down after only one minute against Northern Premier Division strugglers Stourbridge. Halifax did have a few chances, but failed to make an impression, as three good goals for the visitors gave them a well-deserved three points.

Against Hull City, the Eagles went ahead early-on from a rebound, but were 3–1 behind at the break. Cath Hammill put the Tigresses further ahead, the score remaining at 4–1 at the end of a disappointing evening.

In Division 1, Leeds United and Durham Cestria went into the break all-square, after Kath Smith’s brace was cancelled out. With five minutes to go, Jess Rousseau unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike past a helpless ’keeper, then drilled low into the corner, to seal a 4–2 win.

At home to Doncaster Rovers Belles in mid-week, Amy Woodruff's early opener was cancelled out by Jas. Saxton's strike. Second-half goals from Rousseau and Darcie Greene sealed an important three points.

Huddersfield Town lost to leaders Middlesbrough, two late goals enough to ensure victory for the Smoggies.

In the League Cup, they were away to York City, who named local players Crystal Boyce and Summer Paley on their bench. The Terriers came from behind to win 3–1 through Scarlett McMahon, Rebecca Beresford and substitute Ashley Tiripke, and are through to the 1st Round, at home to Hull City this Sunday. They are also at home in the next round of the FA Cup, and will meet Barnsley FC on 13th October. Other ties that day include Chesterfield v Bradford City, Leeds Mods v Norton & Stockton, and Mancunian Unity v Leeds United.