The weekend’s women’s football programme was dominated by cup fixtures, with most of our local WRCWFL teams playing in the Round-of-32 of the League Cup.

Bradford City’s u23s took on Premier Division opponents Farsley Celtic at Carlton‐Bolling.

There were chances for both teams, with not much between them. Mid-way through the first half, City went ahead. Soon Farsley equalised through Shirley Murphy, however City scored two quick-fire goals to put them 3–1 up at the break, and in the second half, a defensive mix-up saw City 4–1 up. Farsley pulled one back mid-way through the half, leaving it late to score two more, to make it 4–4, and send the tie to penalties. Unfortunately City’s attempts were saved, hit the cross-bar, tucked away, and missed, and with Farsley scoring all theirs, they go through to the next round in February.

Eccleshill United were also at home to Premier Division opposition, namely Skipton Town in a closely-contested match.

There were no goals until 75’, when goals from the Eagles’ Demi Pringle and Keegan Lambert put them ahead. The Mighty Whites’ Holly Morgan pulled one back, but Eccleshill go through 2–1, with Nikki Relton awarded Player-of-the-match.

Route One Rovers were at home to an in-form Kellingley Welfare, with goals from Rimshah Amin, Jordan Smith, and an own-goal putting them 3–0 up at the break. Welfare put in a good performance, but the second half saw further goals from Amin and Player-of-the-match Alishba Khan, who also played a key role in central midfield, to make it 5–0 at the end.

Silsden Juniors took the lead against Leeds Hyde Park Firsts, after a deflected strike from Lucy Ogden. Hyde Park fought back to claw back a goal with five minutes remaining. However Megan Gillibrand scored a coolly-taken winner, as Silsden go through 2–1.

Thackley had a good start at Goole AFC, as an own goal put them ahead after only one minute. On 25’, a Goole cross found the back of the net to level. Thackley won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Taylor Rushworth fired an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner to give them back the lead at half time.

Second-half goals from Rachael White and skipper Faye Boshell made it 4–1. Goole tested the Thackley goal, but Bryony Morris was on hand with some excellent saves.

Wyke Wanderers tried a change in formation at home to Brighouse Town Juniors, and goals from Millie West, Kirsty Russell-Holt and Lois Cooper gave them a 3–1 advantage at half time.

Brighouse came out fighting in the second half, but Wyke remained disciplined, keeping their shape well taking advantage of the lead. Special mention to Hannah Harrison for extending the lead to 4–1 with an excellently-taken goal, her first senior goal. Brighouse scored again with a couple of minutes to spare, but Wyke worked tirelessly until the final whistle.

Turning to League games, Field were eager to get back to winning ways in Division Two, at home to Hall Green.

Field hit the ground running, creating early chances in the first quarter-hour, before Tailla Green-Moore’s deflected effort wrong-footed Hall Green's ’keeper. But the teams were level at the break, then, in the second half, Hall Green took a surprise lead with a left-foot finish across the goal. However, Anna Mitchell’s first-time 30-yard shot swerved into the top corner, giving the ’keeper no chance. Then, after a goal-mouth scramble, Player-of-the-match Mitchell hit a cheeky left-foot finish behind the keeper to re-gain Field’s lead. Winger Lucy Rhodes’ confident finish pushed them further ahead. Hall Green continued to fight, and, with minutes to play, pulled one back.

Field held their nerve to see out a hard-fought 4–3 win.

Burley Trojans were at home to a competitive Brighouse Sports side who certainly proved a sterner test than the reverse fixture.

Troggs went 3–0 up in the first half, through Heather Fisher (2) and a header from Charlotte Keane. Though it was a 4–0 loss, Brighouse played well, with good play from Kirsty McCluskey and Hayley Bentham, who both put in outstanding performances.

Burley are away to Route One on Sunday at Bradford Academy. Other games include Harrogate Railway v Farsley, Ilkley v Skipton, Morley v Silsden and Wyke v Forge Way. There are also home games for Brighouse Town, Halifax FC, Queensbury, Salts, and Tyersal.

In the FA Cup, Halifax FC were at South Shields, who play alongside Bradford City in the NERWFL Premier Division.

Mid-way through the first half, as Jamie-Lee Bamford moved forward away from the box, the home team took advantage. Ten minutes later, Meg Cardenas made it through the narrow space between the post and goalie, hard, low, and fabulously finished, to equalise. On 66’, the Mariners were back in front, as a left-footed rocket hit the roof of the net. Two absolute stunners from long-range by Halifax’ Danielle Whitham and Chloë Fisher transformed the tie. Halifax tried hard to keep possession for the last ten minutes, but with only one minute to go, their defenders failed to clear, the resulting goal meant the tie went to penalties. Unfortunately, Halifax missed their last shot, and it’s South Shields who go through.

Huddersfield Town were at home to Nantwich Town, and were 2–0 up at the break through Molly Ellis and Charlotte Stuart. The Dabbers put up a good fight, but couldn’t prevent a 7–0 loss, and the Terriers travel to Accrington Stanley in the next round.