Bingley Bees stepped up to the plate in their latest Yorkshire Women’s Division One fixture, defeating top-of-the-table visitors Leeds University Seconds 2-1.

As predicted, this was a tough, even match. The students scored early on and looked to have the upper hand.

Bingley soon replied and scored two goals between the goalkeeper’s legs, the first coming from Jo Geldard and the second from Gayner Fisher, both before half-time.

In the second half, both sides had numerous chances.

In the dying minutes Leeds were denied a draw by defender Lucy Wilson saving a couple on the line and some quick and agile goalkeeping from Kirsty Matthews.

Unfortunately, Bees Seconds fell foul to a well-drilled and well-disciplined Leeds University Thirds in Division Three, falling 3-0 – their first defeat of the season.

This was never going to be an easy game either as Leeds had scored 16 goals in their last two matches but the Bees were determined to keep the ball out of the net.

Solid defending by Pingers, Jenny Bone, Jo Dean and Sharon Stamp ensured that Leeds had to battle for any scoring advantage.

In the first half, there was a superb penalty-flick save by the Bees’ player of the match, goalkeeper Michelle Clarke.

But with short corners coming against them about every five minutes, the half-time score was 2-0 to Leeds.

A rousing half-time team talk by Rachel Fuller motivated the Bees to play in the second half after re-focusing and re-grouping.

Leeds had to battle to get their third goal, although they had one disallowed as the ball did not travel outside the D on a penalty corner.

Bees’ men got off to an unusually slow and shaky start at home to Halifax Fourths in Division Eight, and paid the penalty, conceding an early goal.

Regaining their composure, however, they managed to build up pressure and were rewarded with an equaliser from Matthew Clough before half-time.

The Bees slowly took control in the second half, and the skilful Robbie Manning set up Clough to score the winning goal, keeping them in the top three.