LAST weekend there were a limited number of league matches in the West Riding County League due to the League Shield, with entertaining games and many close results despite the difficult and challenging conditions on the day.

Bradford (Park Avenue) made the short trip over to Thackley for a re-arranged County Premier game, with both sides needing to get back to winning ways after last week’s disappointing results.

Thackley played well, with ex-Avenue player Sophie Mitchell gaining a Player-of-the-match award on her début, and a second-half goal from Lois Cooper.

However Avenue put in another great team performance, with good play from defender Emily McNulty and plenty of hard work and skills to secure a 3–1 win, with goals from Kerrie Zserdicky-Shirt, Jade Nelson and Bethany Vickers.

Silsden Juniors were involved in a really entertaining game of football, away to Leeds Medics & Dentists. Silsden’s Anna Fryers scored twice, but they were unlucky to not earn at least a draw as the game finished 3–2 to the hosts.

In County Second, Bradford City’s u21s and Knaresborough Town met at a wind-swept Rawdon Meadows, with both hoping to gain ground on leaders Athletico.

Knaresborough gained a 3–0 advantage in the first half, the hosts’ goalkeeper and defence led by skipper and Player-of-the-match Katie Breckin preventing further damage.

A scrappy second half saw City get more into the game, and on the hour mark, the ball fell to a City defender, who played a glorious long ball through the centre of the pitch from just outside her penalty box for Crystal Boyce to run onto. The fast, skilful City forward ran through on goal and fired a wonderful shot across the advancing Town keeper, who could only turn and watch it hit the back of the net. A goal kick was to prove disastrous for Boro’ as Jessie Clement won the ball on the edge of the box, controlled it, and put in a looping shot that alluded the Knaresborough goalie. City pressed forward for an equaliser but there were no further goals as it remained 3–2 to the visitors.

Ilkley Town’s First Team travelled over to Farsley Celtic for a key clash in County First.

Farsley head coach Matt Jackson welcomed back centre-back Jenna Thompson to the side, with ETS player Kaitlyn Walker also making her first appearance. Celtic were quietly confident, after throwing away a 2–0 lead in an earlier encounter.

Ilkley were first-off-the-mark in a tightly-fought scrappy game, Taylor Orchard giving the BahtBonnets a 1–0 lead at the break.

But Farsley fought back, a Shirley Murphy brace giving them a 2–1 result.

Meanwhile, Ilkley’s Development side had a tough tie in the WRCWFL Shield Round-of-32, at home to County First side Golcar.

Opposition player Hannah Lynch hit a speculative long-range shot that found its target, then windy conditions helped float her free-kick from the half-way line straight into the top corner. Another goal saw Ilkley 3–0 down at the break.

The second half saw a number of half-chances, but the ball ended up in Ilkley’s net one more time and the game ended at 4–0 to Golcar.

Field were expecting a tough local Bradford derby away to Athletico, as they were playing a team who are currently leading the division above.

Field piled on the pressure to make a good impression and secure an early goal. But, within 10 minutes, Athletico were already 2–0 ahead, with two cool finishes from Rimshah Amin and Moskan Akbar. Despite this, the visitors were determined that the game was not over, and the second half saw the on-form Megan Sparkes score twice to make in all-square at the end, leading to the inevitable penalty shoot-out.

Siham Sadiq, Sadyha Akhtar and Isma Ahmed were successful in their attempts for Athletico. However, Field’s fourth was put away by young striker Amelia Jackson, and visiting ’keeper Emily McKinley made the second of two fine saves to send Field through to next month’s Round-of-16.

Skipton’s Development side took on County Premier side Morley Town. Goals from Raegan Percival (2), Shannon Wilson, Olivia Clayburn and Harriet Brewer gave Skipton Devs a remarkable 5–1 victory.

Burley Trojans recorded a good 6–0 win against a hard-working , young Queensbury Celtic side, who put in a scrappy performance despite continued injury setbacks. Troggs’ goals came from Naomi Myhill, Liv Boardman and four from Bethan Smith.

A reminder that if anyone is interested in playing for one of our local WRCWFL teams, please contact them through their social media channels.

There are few events at the end of the month that may be of interest.

On Saturday, February 24th, from 7 pm, Field are holding their annual Race Night at their clubhouse (cash only), with proceeds going towards the upkeep of their football facilities.

Wednesday, February 28th, at 8 pm, Garforth Rangers’ Ladies take on England Fans’ Lionesses at Ingfield Stadium, Ossett, in a charity match for the Maddy Cusack Trophy.

And on Saturday, March 2nd from noon, it’s the International Women’s Day 5-a-side Tournament at Manningham Sports Centre. For registration and details, please contact Community Sports Development 01274 522750 or SerwaMir2@bradford.gov.uk.

In the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, Halifax were at promoted side Stourbridge.

The Eagles led as early as the third minute from the penalty spot, and were three ahead before the mid-way point of the first half. Stour rallied, with Jess Lowe cutting the deficit, but when Halifax’ Britt Sanderson added a fourth and fifth either side of the break, there was no way back for the Glassgirls.

Leeds United Women were at Chester le Street Town, in FAWNL Division One North.

Sarah Danby’s in-swinging corner caused problems for the hosts, Ellie Dobson on hand to flick the ball home at the back post, then Leoni Price put the Whites 2-0 up at the break. The second half saw Stourbridge pull one back, before Jess Rousseau latched onto a superb ball down the line, rounded the ’keeper and fired home, sealing the win 10 minutes from time.