LAST weekend saw the return of local women’s football in the North East Regional Women's Football League and the West Riding County Women's Football League.

In the former, Bradford (Park Avenue) were 1–0 down to York RI at half-time in their opening Southern Division game of the season.

Despite good play from Nat Bell and a goal from substitute Vicky Mladenovic, Avenue ended up losing 5-1.

In the same league, Farsley Celtic Juniors’ first team were taking on relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

Near the end of the first half, Farsley took the lead, rattling the crossbar before the rebound provided the first of four goals for Shauna Hill.

One became two shortly after, as a deflected cross somehow eluded both attackers and defenders, before spinning awkwardly into the far corner, leaving Farsley 2-0 up at half-time.

On 62 minutes, Wednesday’s Brooke Swann got her deserved reward, cutting in from the right wing, before composing herself and firing across the keeper into the far bottom corner for the Owls’ only goal.

However, Farsley were 6-1 up near the end, and added a further two goals in the final 10 minutes, as they look forward to Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Worksop against St. Joseph’s Rockware.

Should they get through, Farsley will host Southern Division rivals Avenue in the second qualifying round on October 2.

Thackley had a hard-fought game in West Riding County Premier, away to Brighouse Sports.

The Dennygirls had the better of the chances in the first half, but Sports’ stopper Sharon Bates was equal to their efforts.

With a few minutes remaining of the first half, Louise Stringer finished well to put Brighouse ahead.

The second half saw Thackley hit back.

With about 10 minutes to go, they got their reward as Lois Cooper's nicely-lofted shot over the keeper made sure the points were shared as both teams look forward to Sunday’s FA Cup first qualifying round.

Thackley have a home tie against East Midlands Division One North side Grimsby Town, whereas Brighouse travel to Grimsby Borough.

Tyersal were at Boroughbridge for their first game in County Second.

A goalless first half featured a strong all-round performance, including solid goalkeeping from Joanne Taylor.

Tyersal started the second half strongly, and a free-kick let skipper Lauren Burnett put the ball in the back of the net.

As Tyersal tired near the end, Boroughbridge took advantage to take the lead, then added a late third from a great free-kick.

Athletico hosted Wortley, as they resumed their games in County Third.

A Sadyha Akhtar goal early on settled Athletico’s nerves but not for long as within minutes Wortley had equalised.

Athletico continued fighting for the all-important next goal, which came from a corner whipped in by captain Ikra Ali and volleyed home by Sanah Razaq, to go into the break leading 2-1.

The Bradford side came back even stronger in the second half, which saw two more goals from Akhtar.

Wortley pulled one back, but a composed finish from player of the match Rimshah Amin saw the game out for a well-earned 5-2 Athletico win.

Burley Trojans entertained Huddersfield Amateur Reserves at the Rec.

Troggs’ Charlotte Keane scored two goals on the break against a spirited Ammers, who hit the bar and came close to scoring themselves.

But Burley scored four more in the second half, with a Heather Fisher brace, and first-ever league goals from Nic Frankland and Nat Shaw.

Queensbury Celtic put in a fantastic performance at Crofton.

Lily Greenwood did a good job at full-back, as Queensbury went in 5-0 up at the break, through Shoanna Clark (2), Orla Durkin, Hollie Whitaker and an own goal.

They were unable to hold out for a clean sheet but still recorded a superb 5-2 win.

In County First, Ilkley Town won 4-3 at promoted Hepworth United, through Eva Curran (2), Millie Washington and Rosaria Lambertino.

Ilkley’s manager Claire Armstrong commented: “It was tough opening game against a strong side.

“I was delighted with our resilience and the result with six 16-year-olds and two debutants in the starting XI, demonstrating the potential of this young, talented squad.”

Skipton Town First won 7-2 at Ackworth, with Shona Hastings (2) and Ella McCamon scoring on their debuts.

Meanwhile in County Fourth, their new Development side hosted Wakefield Owls, as Sophie Fagan-Gaines, Jessica Ferridge (2), Steph Parker, Mia Themistocleous all scored on debut.

Shannon Wilson completed the 6–0 victory.

Field didn’t have a good start to their season, as they lost 7-0 at home to new team Knaresborough Town.

Bradford United beat Harrogate Railway Reserves 7-4, with braces from Amina Ali, Naomi Bernard and Maariyah Nazir, plus one from Misbah Bashir.

Bradford City’s Under-21s played their first game.

The new set-up is mainly made up of players from last season’s successful U18 and U16 sides.

Young Megan Woollias took part in the morning’s “Meg and Michelles Skydive for Cardiomyopathy UK”, with details available on justgiving.com.

Later in the day she joined her team, who were at home to Leeds Hyde Park Seconds, to provide two assists towards the afternoon’s standout scoreline.

Isma Ahmed and Maddy Jordan scored hat-tricks, and Summer Paley scored an impressive four in the 15–0 rout.

In the FA Women's National League Reserves Northern Division, City’s U23’s went 2-0 up against Hull City Reserves with second-half goals from Hannah Markey and Kayla Williams, but the Tigresses fought back to clinch the draw.