Keighley LADIES clawed their way to a 1-0 victory over Battyeford in a game they desperately needed to win.

They needed the win to stay in touch with the leaders in Division One of the Yorkshire and Humberside League, but were made to fight all the way by Batteyford who have yet to win a game.

Maria McArdle came close to scoring several times but was denied by some superb goalkeeping and newcomer Grace Duffy also went close to giving Keighley the lead only to be tackled at the last moment.

Emma Ibbotson, who was also making her debut, halted a string of Batteyford attacks in the goalless opening period.

Natasha Mulligan came on as substitute early in the second half and made a tremendous run before seeing her shot fly over the bar.

The goal came as Michelle Harrison whipped over a corner which every players seemed to go for, and inthe throng it was deflected into the net by a Batteyford defender with the diving keeper beaten, and Harrison claimed the goal.

In the dying moments Claire Atkinson pulled off a superb save to tip a powerful shot over the bar and make sure Silsden held out for victory.

The Keighley Development side secured a 1-1 draw with Farsley.

There were no goals in a fast and furious first half and Keighley looked the stronger side after the break. However, it was Farsley who drew first blood with a scarppy goal which just beat Kelly Jordan in goal.

Keighley stepped up the pace and secured an equaliser inthe dying seconds when a shot from Sophie Taylor hit the post, but Amy McCrae reacted first to slot home the rebound.

Keighley Ladies are at home on Sunday to Wakefield, kick-off 2pm with the Development side away to Hemsworth.

Silsden ladies are in second place in Division One of the West Riding League after securing two wins and a draw in their early season games. Resuls: Silsden 4, Huddersfield Town 2; Morley Spurs Res 1, Silsden 1; Silsden 4, Morley Spurs Res 0.