THE women’s football programme on December 19 was limited to just the one local fixture, when Bradford City’s U23 side played Chorley Reserves in the FA Women's National League Reserve Northern Division.

Just before the break, City took a well-deserved lead, when Katie Breckin thumped home from the edge of the box following good work from Amy Beck and Hannah Markey.

Chorley came back strongly and scored some frustratingly simple goals to go 4–1 ahead.

With 20 minutes to go, City weren’t finished, as Markey’s free-kick eluded everyone to pull one back.

However the 4–2 defeat was a frustrating finish to the afternoon at a murky Zara Sports Centre, which ended with the Bantams still second-bottom of the table.

Elsewhere, North East Regional Women's League Premier Division side Farsley Celtic Women were favourites to go through to the West Riding County Cup Quarter-finals, when they met a team from two levels below, table-topping Lower Hopton.

The first half was an open, competitive affair, with both sides having good chances. Ellie Casper’s opener for Farsley was cancelled out by Dani Anthony’s right-foot shot.

Farsley were first out of the blocks in the second half, Jess Heald restoring the advantage with a close-range shot.

Anthony beat the advancing Aimee Routledge to again equalize for the underdogs.

Shirley Murphy had a good run and her powerful shot was only stopped by a flying save.

With only three minutes to go, a scramble in the Celts’ box allowed Jess Corcoran to stab home a deserved winner for underdogs Lower Hopton.

The remaining third round ties are due to be played this Sunday, when the first teams of Bradford (Park Avenue) and Leeds United meet at Horsfall, and Bradford City Women travel to Yorkshire Amateur.

In the previous round, Ammers proved to be too much for Thackley, who went out 3–0 at home, and the Bantams beat Harrogate Railway 7–1, featuring hat-tricks from Harriet Jakeman and Charlotte Stuart.

There will also be some West Riding County Women's Football League games, with Brighouse Sports, Phoenix, Queensbury Celtic, Thackley and Tyersal all playing at home, but supporters are advised to check before travelling.

  • Avenue’s ladies team are on the lookout for new players.

Training is at 8pm-9pm at Horsfall Stadium on Thursdays throughout the season, with games at 2pm on Sundays.

To find out more, contact them on ladies@bpafc.com