A GRIPPING contest saw late heartbreak for Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Ladies against Leeds United Women Under-21’s in the West Riding County Cup, as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

Midway through the first half, a defensive mix-up led to Leeds’ first goal, but just before the break, Nat Bell was on hand to level up for Avenue and set up a tense second half.

A seesaw affair after the break saw some good play from Bradford’s Olivia Duxbury, many saves from keeper Nic Chamberlain and Millie West hitting the post.

Leeds were perhaps lucky to keep 11 players on the pitch when Alice McUrich went one on one with the keeper before being taken out from behind just outside the box.

Both teams pushed for a winner and Avenue had most of the action, forcing the opposing keeper to make some great saves, but it was a late Leeds goal that settled the tie.

Leeds United’s U23 side went out 3-1 to Farsley Celtic though, with the Celts’ goals coming from an Adele Jackson penalty, Rachel White and Demi Godson.

Phoenix had Henna Shaheen and Ikra Ali on target in a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Amateur, but they went out on penalties.

Silsden saw off Farsley Celtic Juniors Reserves 5-0, through Megan Robson-Owens, Ngoc Hart and a hat-trick from Sophie Hawkins.

Brighouse Town took on Derby County in the FA Women’s National League Cup and bowed out on penalties. The game finished 1-1, thanks to Annabelle Cass’ late equaliser from the spot for Brighouse, but a disastrous shootout finished 3-0 to County.

Farsley Celtic Juniors Firsts are second in the West Riding County Women’s Premier Division following a 6-0 win against Brayton Belles.

Finally, in the First Division, an under-strength Tyersal lost 6-0 at Ilkley Town, with Heather Fisher-Pedley hitting a hat-trick.