A cold, wet and miserable day for our local women’s football teams signalled the start of winter, with mixed results in a reduced league programme.

Wyke Wanderers were away to Morley Town for a West Riding League, Premier Division game at Woodkirk Valley.

The first half felt a little rushed at times, with Wyke pressing hard to get an all-important 1–0 advantage. Demi Molinari came close to a second, hitting the woodwork just before half time.

The second half saw Wanderers continued to create chances, adding another three well-taken goals. Sophie Mitchell produced two quality finishes, Jade Nelson and Emily McNulty also on target in the 4–1 win. Player-of-the-match Kerry Brannan was excellent on the wing, also stepping into the number 10 role.

Skipton had a hard-fought meeting at home to Harrogate Railway.

Against the run-of-play, a Railway mix-up at the back created a one-on-one chance for Skipton forward Rachael Holdsworth, who was never going to miss. Elisa Hodson, who was fed the ball on the right wing, skipped inside the Skipton defender, and smashed it home, to make it 1-1 at half time.

Railway did hit the woodwork four times. However, Skipton defended well throughout to earn a point.

Silsden Juniors put in a good performance at home to League leaders Leeds Medics & Dentists.

Unfortunately Sils couldn’t convert their chances, with a clinical Medics taking advantage of early mistakes, then scoring two late-on for their 5–0 win.

Ilkley Town were away at Sherburn White Rose.

It was a slightly-disappointing and frustrating game, as a determined Sherburn scored three first-half goals, before Millie Dawson’s consolation. Despite the 3–1 loss, Ilkley retain third spot.

Thackley were at home to Ackworth for a Division One game.

A strong and well-organized Thackley AFC showcased their quality, controlling the game with sharp passing, disciplined structure, and clinical finishing, to record a 7–0 win against a resilient and determined Ackworth.

Field were at home to Boroughbridge, with skipper Gee Simpson between the sticks for this Division Two encounter.

The home side started on the front foot with the majority of possession, playing some attractive football. But getting into the final third, Field lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance in possession count. As the half came to a close, Boroughbridge took an unlikely lead when an unmarked midfielder picked up the goal-kick, and her long-range effort unfortunately swerved and dipped over Simpson.

Field were playing confidently and were pushing for the equaliser, but the visitors did enough the see the game out for the 1–0 win.

Tyersal were at home to Leeds Hyde Park Seconds for a Division Three fixture but found themselves 2–0 down at half time.

Early in the second half, Player-of-the-match Hayley Robinson did get on the score-sheet against the run-of-play but otherwise Tyersal were unable to get past the visitors’ defence and it was a 6–1 loss for the Robins.

Elsewhere, Leeds United were at Elland Road in front of almost 5,000 attendees for their FAWNL Division 1 North match against York City.

On 3’, Amy Woodruff opened the scoring for Leeds United, latching on to a save from Becky Sidwell to curl home for the hosts. On 23’ Drew Greene drove her way through the middle of the pitch, going one-on-one with Sidwell to calmy slot it in and double their lead. Emily Senior’s side were keen to respond, and had a flurry of chances approaching the break.

On 89’, Darcie Greene surged forward with the ball and played a superb one-two with Woodruff to maraud into the area, finishing beyond Sidwell and into the bottom corner. A sixth consecutive victory means the Whites go level on points with leaders Cheadle Town Stingers.

Huddersfield Town were at home to Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Town forced ahead early on courtesy of goals from Beth Stanfield and Beth Ibbotson, with the visitors threatening heavily through dynamic counter-attacking situations, 2–1 at the break.

Consecutive strikes in the second half through Charlotte Stuart removed any doubt of victory in the tie, as it finished 4–2, and five fixtures without defeat, as coach Glen Preston warned “not to write us off yet”.

Sunday sees the next round of the FA Cup, when the Terriers take on Accrington Stanley at Livingston Road, and Bradford City are away to Burnley at Thurston Road.

Bradford City’s u23s were one of our teams involved in the new West Riding County Trophy competition, as they travelled over to Illingworth to play Crossley Belles Reds.

Reds, who currently play in Division Four, were unfazed by their higher-division opposition, and on 3’, Elle-Mai Hillas’ wonder strike put the ‘underdogs’ ahead. City’s youngsters scored mid-way and just before the end of the first half to give them a slender lead.

Reds were hoping to get a second, but City scored four more, with Olivia Fall's goal five minutes from the end just a consolation in the 6–2 result. City’s goals came from Player-of-the-match Crystal Boyce (3), Lilia Carvalho (2) and Annabel Rowe.

Brighouse Sports, who were at Division 5B side Dewsbury Moor, went ahead through Eleanor Heppinstall and a Chelsea Jessop hat-trick. Moor battled well to get two back in the second half, but it’s Sports who go through 4–2.

Eccleshill United were at home to Women’s Beginners League side Methley United Blacks.

A close first half saw the Eagles take a slender 3–2 lead into the break. Second-half goals from Falone Sumaili and Keegan Lambert saw Eccleshill win 5–2.

Route One Rovers entertained Ilkley Town Development.

An Isma Ahmed brace and one from Jordan Smith gave them a 3–0 win, with Player-of-the-match Farah Hussain a rock at centre-back.

3rd Round draw (selected), to be played 15th December: City u23s v Burley; Brighouse Town Juniors v Harrogate Town u23s; Halifax Friendly v Eccleshill and Route One v Brighouse Sports.

Bradford City Girls have three sides involved in the West Riding FA Junior Girls competitions, with the u16s and u15s both in the 3rd Round of the County Cup.

The u16s beat Eldwick 6–0 and Wetherby 11–0 and are away to Barnoldswick u15s on 7th December, with City’s u15s away to Woodkirk Valley u16s. City’s u14s are at home to their Horsforth St Margaret’s counterparts in the Junior Trophy, but City’s u12s were knocked out of the Junior Shield by Forza.