OUR women’s football teams once again had a mixed bag of results in the West Riding Football League, including some all‐Bradford derbies.
Thackley, who currently top Division One, were at home to Bradford City’s u23s.
Marking 50 appearances for Thackley was Taylor Rushworth, who played in their first game back in 2017, and rejoined the team at the start of this season.
Thackley were slow to start, and on 36’, City gained the lead through striker Chesney Tieyah, who found herself in space behind the defenders.
Then, just before the half-time whistle, Bradford broke again, as Player-of-the-match Tieyah made it 2–0 to the visitors. However, on 48’, Thackley were back in it, as Demi Godson found the back of the net with her left foot. On 55’, City’s ’keeper made a brilliant save, only for the rebound to fall to the feet of Chelsea Morton, who made no mistake, to level the scores. Then on the hour mark, Thackley took the lead through Beth Davies, as the game ended at 3–2 to the hosts.
Field were expecting a tough local derby, at home to Route One Rovers in Division Two.
The game started off fairly-evenly, with both teams getting plenty of the ball. On 13’, Field opened the scoring with a first league goal for Emma Tuddenham, a long-range solo effort flying into the top corner. After Route One’s ’keeper handled the ball outside her area, the resulting free kick was put away by Meg Sparkes. Route One pulled a goal back after possession was lost on the wing, the resulting attack from Alishba Khan being finished by top scorer Rimshah Amin into the bottom corner.
The second half saw Route One applying pressure, and on 52’, a perfectly-weighted through ball to winger Jordan Smith resulted in a calm, collected, classy finish. Field worked hard until the end, but, just after the hour mark, a final goal from Player-of-the-match Amin sealed the deal for Route One, who took home the three points.
Brighouse Sports had a much-needed, convincing 9–2 win at home to Skipton Town Development. Goal scorers were Leanne Smith (2), defender Leanne Webster, substitute Shauna Messenger (4), Abigail Percy and Kirsty McCluskey. Skipton Devs put in a valiant effort, with two goals from Shannon Wilson.
Next weekend’s limited league programme sees Brighouse Sports at Burley Trojans, Field hosting Hall Green, and Skipton Devs at home to Horsforth St Margaret’s, with most other teams involved in the League Cup.
Ilkley Town and Farsley Celtic, last season’s two promoted sides, were involved in a Premier Division top-of-the-table clash.
There were chances for both sides, but the first goal came just before the break, as Shirley Murphy’s cracking strike gave Farsley the lead. Ilkley kept working and competing throughout, but it was a frustrating afternoon as, whilst chasing the game, they conceded three more goals to a strong, organised, clinical Celtic.
Skipton Town were at home to Leeds Medics & Dentists, but Alex Heyworth’s free kick wasn’t enough to get a result, as Medics scored twice, to replace Ilkley in second place.
Silsden Juniors and Wyke Wanderers were both eager to continue their current good form in the Premier Division.
Silsden, who had won their last two games, took a 2–1 advantage into the break, with goals from Corina Riley and Lucy Ogden. Wyke, unbeaten in their last four matches, were a little slow to start, struggling to convert chances. However, they managed to grow into the game. Demi Molinari, who stepped in at centre-half, put in a solid performance. Goalscorer Lois Cooper, who was relentless in front of goal, also hit the crossbar. In the second half, Silsden defended superbly, with Player-of-the-match Kaitlin Williams making some outstanding saves. Wyke continued to press hard, hitting the post, and eventually finding an equaliser late‐on, coming from Sophie Mitchell, who had impacted the game from the minute she stepped on the pitch. With only a few minutes to go, Silsden managed to find a third goal, as Riley smashed home a late winner.
Eccleshill United were at home in a close top-two Division Three challenge against Brighouse Town Juniors, and it was no surprise that the scores were tied at 2–2 at half time. The second half saw the Eagles going 4–2 ahead through Keegan Lambert and Falone Sumaili. Town did pull one back, but it was Eccleshill who won 4–3.
Queensbury Celtic’s home match against Forge Way Reserves was a tale of two halves. Forge Way were comfortably in charge in the first half, taking a 4–0 lead into the break. A spirited fight-back saw a goal from substitute Gemma Osborne mid-way through the second half, but Celtic were unable to take their chances, as the game ended 4–1 to the visitors.
Tyersal were at Scott Hall Road for a Division Four match against Leeds Hyde Park Seconds.
Tyersal had a good start, Hayley Robinson putting the Robins ahead within ten minutes. There was good play from Becca Ogden, Isobel Hargreaves and Shelby Robinson, but it ended up as a 7–1 win for Hyde Park.
In the FA National League, Halifax FC were 2–0 down away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with less than ten minutes played. Halifax held their hosts off for most of the game, before three late goals resulted in a 6–0 loss to the new Northern Premier Division leaders.
Leeds United extended their winning run to four matches in Division One North. First–half goals from Amy Woodruff and Alice Hughes in the first 16 minutes sealed an important 2–0 win over their Yorkshire rivals Barnsley FC.
Huddersfield Town were missing a number of key players from their matchday line-up against York City, but were confident of continuing with a rotated squad. Meanwhile, York City’s new manager Emily Senior completed the signing of exciting midfielder Charlie Ramsden from Bradford City just before kick-off.
The deadlock was broken on 15’, when Scarlett McMahon smashed past Becky Sidwell to give Huddersfield the lead. Just after the hour mark, Town doubled their lead after a defensive error, to win 2–0.
The Terriers’ FA Cup tie at home to Nantwich will kick off at 1 pm on Sunday. In the same competition, Bradford City are away to Preston North End at Inglewhite Road (Longridge FC), and Halifax FC are away at South Shields, to be played at the main stadium on Shaftesbury Avenue.
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