THERE were more mixed fortunes in challenging conditions, in the West Riding County Women’s Football League programme last weekend.

In the Premier Division, Wyke Wanderers were at home to Harrogate Railway.

With difficult playing conditions for both teams, heavy rain in the morning and high winds, Wyke found it difficult at times to play the way they wanted to, but adapted well. The first half saw chances created, and eventually striker Meg Dunlop fired the ball home from out wide. Just five minutes later, Railway were given a free kick from 30 yards out, Paige Swales taking it well to put it in off the bar, as the teams went into the break all-square at 1–1.

Half-way into the second half, Railway took the lead from Georgia France’ long-range shot that found the top corner, to take the lead. Wyke did not give up, and, with just five minutes remaining, equalised through Player-of-the-match Kirsty Russell-Holt, who struck the ball low and hard from 25 yards, giving the keeper no chance. Wyke continued to press into the last five minutes of the game, narrowly missing a third goal, as the game ended 2–2.

Farsley Celtic took on Leeds Medics & Dentists in a top-of-the-table clash.

A game-of-two-halves saw a brilliant first 45’ and Farsley scoring four in a 25-minute spell to put them 4–0 ahead at the break. Medics put up a very good fight throughout the second half, hitting the bar twice and two off-the-line clearances, but could only pull two back near the end, 4–2 the final score, as the Celts stay top.

Ilkley Town were at home to Forge Way. Ilkley had a tight first half, then surged ahead, benefitting from the wind in the second half. A strong performance gave the Baht-Bonnets a 7–1 win, and up to second place.

Skipton Town remain in fourth place, after they shared the points at Morley Town, Holly Morgan scoring both goals in a 2–2 draw.

Silsden Juniors put in a great performance to record a well-deserved 4–2 win at home to Sherburn White Rose. Sils’ goals came from Kayla Williams, Keeley Colbran, and a brace from Player-of-the-match Ella McCamon.

Next weekend’s fixtures in the Premier Division: Forge Way v Railway, Ilkley v Farsley, Silsden v Wyke and Skipton v Medics

In Division One, Bradford City’s u23s, who are at Thackley on Sunday, beat Brayton Belles 5–0 through Lilia Carvalho (2) and Annabel Rowe (3).

Field, coming off the back of two disappointing results, travelled up the M1 to play Boroughbridge for a Division Two game.

A rocky start to the first half saw Field under pressure in the back line, but some tight defending and hard work prevented any chance that Boroughbridge created. Field picked up some momentum and started to threaten the hosts’ defence. On 20’, Meg Schofield latched onto a perfectly-placed cross with a fantastic header to open proceedings.

Field opened the second half with confidence and the more dominant team. On 55’, Meg Sparkes gained possession on the edge of the semicircle and sailed the ball into the top bins to get Field’s second. Boroughbridge battled hard to break Field’s defensive line, and this paid off when they grabbed a goal back. Determined to take those three points home, Player-of-the-match Sparkes ran onto a long ball from goalkeeper Emily McKinley, and with an outstretched leg managed to slot it past the goalkeeper who did a great job closing it down. Boroughbridge didn't give up: a goalmouth scramble led to the ball finding a ’Bridge player on the edge of the area, who fired an unstoppable shot past Field. Nevertheless it was a good 3–2 win on the road.

Burley Trojans continued their good form over at Brighouse Sports, going 3–0 up in the first half. Brighouse Sports had a good second half, but Burley scored two more in the last five minutes, through Heather Fisher and a first for Charlie Smith, the 5–0 result seeing Troggs top the Division Two table.

Brighouse Sports, who are currently rebuilding their team, entertain Skipton Devs on Sunday.

Queensbury Celtic travelled over to Batley for a Division Three match against Forge Way Reserves.

But it was a poor performance on the day from Queensbury, who just couldn't get going despite their best efforts, as Forge Way ran out deserved 4–1 winners. Queensbury will look to re-group for next week’s reverse leg at Pit Lane.

Eccleshill United were at Huddersfield Amateur Reserves, with an 8–0 advantage at the break, going on to win 12–1, Ams’ consolation goal scored by Emily Lovett. The Eagles’ Player-of-the-match was Katy Greenwood, and they currently top the Division on goal-difference above next weekend’s visitors Brighouse Town Juniors.

Town were involved in the Preliminary Round of the new West Riding County Trophy competition, the 14–0 win over Crossley Belles Whites seeing six goals from defender Cara Mahoney.

Looking ahead to the 2nd Round, to be played on 17th November, Town join Bradford City’s u23s, other WRCWFL teams, and some Women’s Beginners’ League sides. Ties include: Brighouse Town Juniors v Halifax Friendly Belles, Crossley Reds v Bradford City’s u23s, Dewsbury Moor v Brighouse Sports, Eccleshill v Methley United Blacks, Harrogate Town u23s v Queensbury, Horsforth St Margaret’s Social v Burley, and Route One Rovers v Ilkley Town Development.

In Division Four, Ilkley Town Development played another tough opponent in a well-drilled Goole side, who took an early lead. Ilkley fought hard in a very competitive first half, but Goole took control after the break. Ellie Fishwick took advantage of a defensive error to claw one back, but clinical finishing was the difference, as Goole continued their good start to the season with a 4–1 win.

Ilkley Devs dug deep at Tyersal, and found a way to bring back the points in a 7–1 win against an opponent who never gave up. Gill Rhodes put in a great performance to earn Tyersal’s Player-of-the-match award.

In Division 5A, Eldwick Lionesses were at home to Batley.

After only one minute, Jess Murphy found the back of the net. Batley's attack tried to get through the defensive line with their quick forwards, but it was nothing Eldwick's back four of Cara Moore, Charmaine Webster-Ramsden, Luci Baldwin and Fearne Midgley couldn't deal with. Eldwick’s goals came thick and fast, Kate Ambrick scoring on 9’ and 10’, and Murphy following up at 12’, 27’, and 36’. Somewhere in this flurry of goals there was a penalty for Batley, as it ending up at 10–1 to Eldwick in the end.

Last week’s match saw Eldwick away at local rivals Salts.

Within 2’, a perfectly-timed through ball from Bex Granger let Kate Ambrick place it in the back of the net. A further six goals followed. However, the goal of the half came from a corner swung-in perfectly to find defender Fearne Midgley’s head, as she placed it into the top left-hand corner. In the first minute of the second half, Jessica Murphy scored her fourth of the game. Salts did tighten up their defence, to make it more difficult for the visitors to find the net. However, late in the game, Player-of-the-match Murphy scored three more, to add to her impressive tally, now 20 this season, and make it 12–0 at the end.

This Sunday, Eldwick entertain Lepton Highlanders at Marley.

Halifax FC were involved in an FA National League Plate match against unbeaten Division One Midlands side Loughborough Lightning.

Several players were unavailable for the fixture, being cup-tied, or as in the case of Charlotte Salisbury-Williams, on international duty with Wales’ U19s in Portugal.

Unfortunately it didn’t start well, Lucy Walsh missing a penalty, a good challenge from Minnie Wilson failing to stop the ball going in the net for an own-goal, and giving away a free kick that resulted in a second goal before the interval. The second half saw more chances, Wilson getting the ball in the net from a rebound to pull one back, but five minutes from the end, Lightning were again two in front. With one minute to go, Loughborough underestimated the speed of Lexie Harrison, as she stole the ball under the nose of their goalkeeper for a clear shot into the goal, but unfortunately it was the last goal of the day, as Halifax went out 3–2.

Huddersfield Town’s visitors this Sunday, York City, have a few familiar names involved. Crystal Boyce, Summer Paley, Dani Trickett and Kanisha Underdown, who played at Bradford City last season, have recently joined. Not only that, but the MinsterBelles’ new manager is Emily Senior, who was also at Bradford City last season.