THERE was a game for the ages in the West Riding FA Women's County Cup Second Round, as underdogs Phoenix survived a storming Silsden comeback to win 4-3 on penalties after an incredible eight-goal thriller.
Phoenix raced into a 3-0 lead against a side who sit two divisions above them, but Silsden showed they were determined to avoid a cup shock by clawing two back before the break.
In a fascinating, topsy-turvy encounter, featuring strong performances from both sides, the game ended up being tied at 4-4, with Phoenix' goals being scored by Megan Medley (3) and Sanah Razaq.
Medley's hat-trick was not enough to win the game outright, but her Phoenix side eventually scrambled through, winning the resultant penalty shootout to progress into the third round.
Elsewhere, Republica took a surprise lead against Brighouse Athletic through a rebounded goal, but their opponents responded through Sarah Hemingway, Sarah Kennerdale and Mel Griffiths to ensure their progress with a 3-1 win.
Brighouse Town also made it through, grinding out a 2-0 win at Ossett United.
Farsley Juniors had both sides in action against higher-level opponents but they did not go down without a fight. Their firsts lost 5-3 at Harrogate Town and their reserves held out for an hour, only to lose 2-0 to Yorkshire Amateur.
A young Guiseley Vixens side had Liv Auker and Ellie Casper to thank for their huge 10-0 win over a battling Wetherby Athletic, with the deadly duo netting four goals apiece.
An inexperienced Ilkley Town side also worked their socks off but lost 8-3 to Harrogate Railway.
Selected ties in the SSE Women's FA Cup Second Round and the West Riding FA Women's County Cup Third Round:
SSE Women's FA Cup, December 2 (1pm): Guiseley Vixens v Derby (Nethermoor); Huddersfield v Bradford City (Storthes Hall); Leeds United v Doncaster Rovers Belles (Thorp Arch).
West Riding FA Women's County Cup, December 16 (2 pm): Harrogate Town v Bradford City; Leeds United Reserves v Bradford (Park Avenue); Harrogate Railway Athletic v Brighouse Town; Brayton v Ripon; Brighouse Athletic v Ossett United Reserves; Leeds United firsts v Yorkshire Amateur; Guiseley v Phoenix; Castleford v Altofts.
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