Sarah Kellett goal decisive as Bingley Bees triumph

Steph Robertshaw and Kellett saw early shots saved by the Harrogate keeper, while Rachel Fuller was outstanding in goal for the fifth-placed Bees in an end-to-end game.

The only goal came from a short corner shortly after half-time as Kellett played out to Lillian Allen. She slipped the ball to Emma Hinkles, whose shot was blocked before Kellett followed up to score.

The Bees’ player of the match award went to Emily Lawrence.

Bingley Seconds were up against an energetic University of Leeds Fifths side in Division Four but surprised their opponents and were unlucky not to get more than a 1-1 draw.

The experienced Bingley side dominated most of the game, although they still had to survive a few dangerous moments in defence.

They did fall behind after 20 minutes as the students scored an untidy opener. But the lead did not last for long as new squad member Cat Milburn finished off a move started by the impressive Sian Porter and supported by Lucy Walsh.

Cath Wood was back as captain after injury but although her interval talk inspired the team, they were unable to snatch a winner during a goalless second half.

The Bees men had a busy and difficult weekend and lost 2-1 at Division Five North leaders Driffield Seconds before picking up a 1-1 draw the following day away to York University Thirds.

Bingley had won their opening three matches to climb to second place but found Driffield tough opponents and the hosts took the lead after seven minutes.

There were no further goals in the first half but the Bees were rewarded for a bright start to the second with an equaliser by Matthew Clough, only for Driffield to snatch the winner.

Sunday’s follow-up match also saw Bingley fall behind, with a short corner after 31 minutes doing the damage.

But another set-piece move led to the Bees equalising early in the second half as Ben Clough fired into the bottom corner of the goal.