MOST of the local women’s football teams were in action last weekend, with plenty of positive results to ponder.

Ilkley Town were at West Riding County First leaders Skipton Town Firsts.

A tight, competitive game saw Ilkley take the lead through an own-goal. However, Skipton went 2-1 up through Beth Bancroft and Emily Throup. With four minutes to go, Ilkley felt that they could snatch a deserved point, but Throup scored another to maintain Skipton’s 100% record with a 3–1 win.

Ilkley’s manager Claire Armstrong commented: “the performance of our young squad, particularly player of the match Flo Berry on her full débût, epitomises the potential we have”.

Silsden were at third-place Huddersfield Amateur Firsts.

Huddersfield, despite being understrength, were confident in the first half of the game, with good play from Lindsay Henry, and a goal from Courtney White. However Silsden came out fighting in the second half, with their energy and enthusiasm bringing about a well-deserved 2–1 win through Anna Fryers and skipper Lilly Chattoe.

It was a good day for Bradford City, the u21s continuing their winning run, and the Reserves also winning their FA National Reserve Division game.

A Crystal Knapton brace either side of half-time gave City’s u23s a 2–0 win against Chorley's second string.

The u21s remain second in the WRCWFL Fourth Division after a 6–0 win at Lower Hopton Development.

Third-placed Field travelled to Leeds Hyde Park Reserves.

Field applied lots of pressure and within five minutes got off to a flying start when Anna Mitchell coolly stroked home the opener, then Megan Sparkes lobbed the on-rushing keeper. Hyde Park tried to get back into the game, winning several corners to no avail. Field fought back, scoring two more before half-time, Nicki Hanson scoring at the back post, and Jess Vanston also slotting in a deserved goal.

The second half was a much quieter affair with less clear-cut chances. Despite less chances, the game was end-to-end, and Hyde Park had a few chances of their own. Yet Field’s resolute defence did enough to keep any attacking threats at bay, holding on to the 4–0 win.

Athletico entertained Farsley Junior Development in the County Third Division, and recorded a remarkable 11-0 win. The goalscorers were Sadyha Akhtar (3), Jeevan Jawanda (2), Rimshah Sanah (2), skipper Ikra Ali and Ammarah Pandor.

Burley Trojans had a hard-fought battle at Crofton Sports, with a goal in each half on a tight pitch. The 2–0 win saw goals from Nic Frankland and Mel Elam.

Queensbury Celtic were at home to promotion-chasing Horsforth St Margaret’s. With a bare-bones line-up and a number of injuries including their regular goalkeeper, Queensbury had to dig in across the pitch to close down the Horsforth breaks, and then were ruthless going forward. Orla Durkin provided three good crosses in a 4–3 win that saw a Lucie Fieldhouse hat-trick, and Emily Uttley scoring her second goal in two games after returning to the club.

The win completed a good weekend for Queensbury. Their u18s won 4–1 at Guiseley Bluejays in the Yorkshire Girls’ League with a controlled, confident display. Goals came from Laura Vansovia and Lily Reidy, plus an Orla Durkin brace.

Our local women’s football teams are always looking at recruiting new players, with enquiries ideally through the relevant social media account but a reminder that registration for the WRCWFL must be completed before the end of February.

Bradford (Park Avenue) were away to Southern Division leaders Barnsley Ladies for a Regional Northeast League game.

Bradford introduced new players Demi Molinari, Louise Molinari and Abigail Whitehead on the bench.

A game between the teams earlier this season had been close, and indeed after 30 minutes there was only one goal between the sides. Barnsley scored two more to see Bradford losing 3–0 at the break, the full time score being 8–0 to Barnsley. Other results on the day were favourable, with only one team out of the bottom five, Harworth Colliery, gaining a surprise point at York RI.

In mid-week, Brighouse Town were at their new home venue Eccleshill United for an FA National North Division One game against Liverpool Feds.

Feds went ahead in the first half after a good strike gave the keeper no chance. However a goalmouth scramble and a penalty gave Town a 2–1 win.

In local league games this Sunday, Bradford (Park Avenue) host Sheffield United Community at Horsfall, Silsden entertain Hepworth United at Keighley Road, Athletico welcome Crofton Sports to Bradford Academy and Burley play Wortley.