Yorkshire Women's Division Two: Bingley Bees 2 Thirsk II 0

FRESH from two pre-season victories, Bingley Bees kept the momentum going in their first league match at Bradford Grammar School.

Having the majority of possession and territory helped in the first half, and the hosts took the lead after five minutes when a well-executed short corner led to goal from Jenny Bone, who deflected a strike from Maddie Silberberg into the net.

Thirsk had limited opportunities to score, and what they did create was thwarted by inspirational stand-in goalkeeper Lesley Brian, who was player of the match.

Bingley Bees continued the pressure in the second half, and six minutes in it was 2-0 after another short corner, Gail Day striking the ball from the top of the D into the net, and after that Thirsk were pinned in their own half.

Yorkshire Men's Division Four North: Bingley Bees 0 Mirfield 5

FOR 30 minutes, the home side had the lion's share of possession, with quick passing in triangles, confining the visitors to quick breaks.

Simon Woodhead switched play from left to right in midfield and young Oliver Bishop, who was man of the match, was integral to some of this possession.

However, Mirfield, who brought on an additional pacy striker, began to get into the match, and they took the lead just before half-time.

In the second half, the visitors relied on quality passing and good movement to take a grip on the game, adding further goals.

With 15 minutes to go, the Bees, who were playing only their second match together, lost goalkeeper Chris Silberberg, who emerged from a pile of players with a badly-strained calf muscle and had to leave the pitch.

Fortunately, the hosts were able to move attacking midfielder Danny Greenwood into goal.

While he was padding up, the Bees had a positive team talk and changed some of their positions, doing better for the final ten minutes, although Greenwood still had some saves to make.

* The Mini Bees under-tens had a memorable debut, defeating Bradford 7-1 overall in four 15-minute games (2-0, 1-1, 0-0, 4-0), with each interval being used for taking on board water and advice from coach Jo Dean.

The more experienced Bees put into practice what they had learnt in training, while the newer recruits gained in confidence, making some crucial tackles or saves.