THE MOST unlikely tribute to Yorkshire cricketing legend Brian Close this week came from former Bradford City and England women's international Mel Garside-Wight.

She recalled: "When we lost to Arsenal, on penalties, in the semi-final of the Premier League Cup at Guiseley AFC 20 years ago, Brian – as an ex- Bradford City and Arsenal player, as well as an England youth soccer international – accepted an invitation from the club to be a special guest at the match and to adjudicate on the player of the match award."

Close had no hesitation in selecting City's all-time leading scorer Garside-Wight for that award, despite Arsenal fielding several international players, and that is a day she has never forgotten.

"He was a lovely man and a typical Yorkshireman," she said.

"It was a privilege to meet him and a real honour to get chosen for that award by such a well-respected international sportsman. That was a great day, despite us just missing out on the final."

Unfortunately, the current City side did not have such a great day in their last Premier League (North) game when they went down 2-1 at Preston.

Katie Nutter equalised Preston's 12th-minute opener almost immediately but the home side snatched a winner 11 minutes from time to move up to second.

City take on leaders Stoke City at Eccleshill United tomorrow, while Huddersfield Town go to Derby, fresh from a 3-3 draw at home to Nottingham Forest. Guiseley, still looking for their first points, are at home to Forest.

Life in the top flight is looking a tough ask for last year's Division One champions Guiseley as their 5-0 defeat at Stoke was their fifth league reverse in succession.

In the reserve division, City's second string go to Stockport County for what is their first game of the season, Leeds are at home to Newcastle and Huddersfield Town host Middlesbrough.

There was a new experience for Bradford City A, following two successive promotions as champions, when they went down 5-3 at home to Silsden in their opening game in the West Riding League First Division.

Four former City players were in action for Hebden Royd against Republica, with one-time Welsh international Nicky Davies winning a race against time for proof of international clearance and getting among the goals, along with former City stalwart Claire Popplewell.

In the qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup, Bradford Park Avenue face a difficult trip to Lincolnshire club Winterton Rangers, while West Riding League side Brighouse Athletic take on Regional League neighbours Brighouse Town.