Keighley Ladies 4 Tadcaster 0 Keighley Ladies swept to a comfortable victory over Tadcaster who had beaten them three times previously.

Keighley were desperate for victory to hold on to third place after losing to Sheffield two weeks ago.

Tadcaster were clearly looking for an early breakthrough, but it was Maria McArdle who caused an upset by smashing home a 30-yard shot after just two minutes, putting them ahead in a meeting between the two sides for the first time in three years.

Numerous breaks by the South Yorkshire side were broken up thanks to excellent defending by centre-back Emma Lund.

Keighley captain Michelle Harrison went close from a set piece, but her shot swerved just wide of the post.

Fullbacks Uzi Saddique and Gemma Scott were solid and continually denied the Tadcaster side room as the Keighley side held on to their one goal lead at the break.

After surviving more heavy pressure in the opening period of the second half Keighley began to take control of the game. Harrison hit the bar and Amy Phelan also hit the woodwork as they piled on the pressure.

Quick thinking by Sophie Taylor saw her hit the ball home from 20-yards to give the home side some breathing space.

Becky Granger got the final touch after a goalmouth scramble to give them a 3-0 lead and the Keighley side increased the tempo as they knew the game was theirs.

Natasha Mulligan piled more misery on Tadcaster s she rounded the last defender and drove a 25-yard shot past the defenceless goalkeeper.

Albion were a beaten side and Keighley pushed forward looking for fifth, but the demoralised defence managed to hold out an prevent further humiliation.