IT HAS been a difficult time for Tyersal Ladies in the West Riding County Women's League.

They were forced to withdraw from the competition during last season but have now regrouped and, with the signing of eight former Bradford City players, they could be the team to watch in Division Three.

A draw and a win in their two pre-season games to date have been an encouraging sign – but with a squad totalling a combined aged of around 400, they will need all the experience they can muster to save their legs.

Tyersal have a warm-up derby at home to Thackley tomorrow but the start of the West Riding County League season is still a few weeks away, although the FA Women's Premier League kicked off last weekend.

Guiseley Vixens, like Bradford City, failed to get on the scoresheet as they went down to the only goal of the Northern Division game at Nottingham Forest after conceding in the 14th minute.

There was better luck for Brighouse Town in Northern Division One as they completed a 5-3 win at Newcastle United.

Bridie Hannon and Charlotte Proud gave Town a 2-1 lead at the interval and three goals in the last ten minutes, from Jodie Redgrave and substitute Ami Beresford (2), sealed the win.

Tomorrow sees Guiseley travel to face a Huddersfield Town side who were 4-0 winners over West Bromwich Albion on the opening day.

In Division One, Brighouse Town take on Bolton Wanderers while Leeds United face a visit from Chester-le-Street.

Bradford Park Avenue have no fixture but start their season with an FA Cup preliminary-round tie at Altofts on Sunday, September 3.

Results of last week's friendlies: Silsden 1 Lower Hopton 4, Tyersal 7 Kirkstall 3, Skipton 8 Farsley Development 6, Bradford City Reserves 4 Brighouse Ath 0.