Bradford City face their biggest game of the season to date on Sunday when they take on promotion-chasing Chorley at Thackley AFC desperate to close the gap on their Lancashire rivals in the Northern Women’s Combination League.

A wave of postponements, coupled with cup runs, has knocked back unbeaten City’s own promotion challenge and they may not be able to rely on games in hand as their rivals continue to pick up points.

They were in County Cup action last week and although West Riding League outfit Harrogate Railway fared better than some, City were still comfortable 9-1 winners thanks to goals from Mel Garside-Wight (2), Alice Thackray, Caroline Omboyi, Aimee Driver, Charlotte Stuart, Dominique Hoad, Faye Boshell and an own goal.

City are at home to Castleford White Rose in the last eight next month.

Huddersfield Town strolled through their second-round tie at Farsley to finish 13-0 winners and set up a quarter-final clash with Guiseley, who won 14-0 at Rothwell Town – Amy Parker scoring eight times – while Kirklees will be at home to Leeds City Vixens if they win this week’s rearranged game at Tingley and Leeds United play Wakefield.

In the North East Regional League Southern Division, Ossett Albion edged clear of the relegation zone with a surpise 2-1 win over Bradford City A.

It was revenge for Albion after their recent 5-1 defeat at City. But while Claire Popplewell and Angie Gaughan put them 2-0 up, they had to battle in the closing stages after Chelsey Faulkner had pulled a goal back.

Only four points separate the last six teams in this division as Albion look to overcome promotion-chasing Millers in their next game.

City are at home to Westella & Willerby, while Keighley Oaks take on Rovers Foundation looking to improve on a 10-1 home defeat at the hands of Castleford in the County Cup.

Huddersfield return to Northern Combination action with a visit from South Durham & Cestra, while Wakefield entertain Leeds City Vixens.

In the West Riding League Premier Division, Ossett Town have a home game against Bradford Park Avenue and Huddersfield Reserves host Wakefield Reserves in the League Cup.

There was some joy at last for newcomers Cleckheaton Sporting in Division Three when they took on well-placed Crossley and secured a 1-1 draw to end a run of seven successive defeats.

Cleckheaton now go to leaders Wortley Reserves, while Dewsbury Rangers are at home to Thornes.

City’s under-18s were 11-2 winners against Wetherby Athletic to stay top of the table, with Jess McPherson netting eight of the goals.