SKIPTON Town travelled to Republica Internationale for their West Riding County Women’s League Division One game, and were beaten 2-1 in an attritional encounter.

An early Lindsay Stagg strike gave Republica the advantage on a heavy, muddy pitch but, in a physical game, Skipton’s Jess Wooton equalised before the break.

Both teams struggled with the conditions, but Republica came close several times with good play from Molly Asher and Jane Turner, before Grace Highwood headed home the winner on her debut.

Brighouse Town were in West Riding County Cup action against Wetherby Athletic and the “battle of the oranges” saw the latter lose 11-0 to the cup holders.

Town’s 200th game under Rob Mitchell’s management saw skipper Kay Bamford scoring a hat-trick and a pair of braces from Hannah Freibach and Arianne Parnham set up a 9-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Lucie Fieldhouse scored on her senior debut as Brighouse made it into double figures.

Silsden were 5-0 down to Farsley Celtic Juniors Firsts, but pulled one back with a free-kick just before half-time.

Silsden’s keeper saved a penalty but there were no further goals in the second half as Farsley proceeded to the quarter-finals on January 19.

In the FA Women’s National League, Leeds United eventually broke down Bolton Wanderers’ resistance to win 2-0.

Olivia Stuart’s long-range effort on the hour mark and Holly Findlay’s late tap-in saw the Whites go second in Northern Division One.

Women’s football resumes on January 5, as Bradford (Park Avenue) host York RI in the North East Regional Women’s Football League Southern Division.

Thackley Firsts visit Bradford City in the County Cup, while Thackley Reserves entertain Brayton Belles at Apperley Lane in the West Riding League Shield.