Most matches in the West Riding County Women’s Football League went ahead last weekend, although there were some postponements due to waterlogged pitches. 

Bradford (Park Avenue) were expecting another close game in their County Premier match against Harrogate Railway.

Avenue were 1-0 ahead at the break at Horsfall after Kerry Brannan took advantage of an Harrogate Railway error.

But Railway came back, with Caitlyn Atkin beating three defenders to put away the first of two outstanding finishes to inflict a 2-1 defeat for Avenue.  

Silsden are still struggling after their promotion to County Premier, but they are improving, as they put in a solid performance against Morley Town. 

But a lapse of concentration in the second half and a tidy finish from Morley striker Lauren Nicholls separated the two sides as the game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Cobbydalers

Skipton’s firsts take over the leadership of County Premier from Leeds Medics & Dentists, after beating them 5-0, including two goals from Emily Throup.

Thackley's Chelsea Morton played well in defence, and player-of-the-match, ’keeper Katie Bailey, put in a steely performance pulling off some great saves, but it was a 10-1 loss for the Dennygirls at Sherburn White Rose. 

In County First, Ilkley Town lead the division on goal difference, after an 8-1 victory against Hall Green United.

County Second leaders Athletico had a good first half, racking up a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break against Rangers Athletic, with player-of-the-match Moskan Akbar solid at centre back.   

Athletico went on to win 5-1, with the goals coming from club captain Ikra Ali (2), Hafza Khan, Sadyha Akhtar and Isma Ahmed.  

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Rangers Athletic had no answer to league leaders Athletico (dark blue) last weekend.Rangers Athletic had no answer to league leaders Athletico (dark blue) last weekend. (Image: Chelsea Bennett.)

Burley Trojans scored second-half goals througn Charlotte Keane and Heather Fisher, but three mistakes led to a 3–2 loss at Boroughbridge. 

In County Third, Field maintained the majority of possession against Huddersfield Amateur Reserves.  

On the quarter-hour mark, Field took the lead through Megan Schofield with a lovely strike into the bottom left-hand corner. 

Amateur did pose a threat when they attacked, but Field's goalkeeper Emily McKinley commanded her area and made some brilliant saves.

The second half saw Huddersfield equalise. However, on the hour mark, Field retook the lead after Jess Davies poked home.

Huddersfield were determined to get back in the game and levelled proceedings again with a well-taken header.

But Field’s perseverance paid off, as a powerful Ami Nolan free-kick ended up in the net after a rebound, as they remain unbeaten in the league after a thrilling 3-2 win.

Bradford United, who entertained Skipton’s Development side, once again had several highlights in a game without reward.

Sora Chegnib delivered a stunning goal, finding the far-left side of the net from a perfectly-lobbed pass from Zahra Batool.

Lauren Rodger, the goalkeeper, shone brightly in an otherwise-challenging match, making some excellent saves.

Inayah Begum was a rock for the team at the back, making some amazing tackles and effectively sweeping away the dangers from the defensive area.

But Skipton Devs, who are at home to Kinsley on Sunday, were clinical, as they chalked up a 15-1 win, including six goals from player-of-the-match Elly Field, a Becca Brown hat-trick, and braces from Raegan Percival and Katherine Sharp. 

This weekend sees limited league action locally, and supporters are advised to check on kick-off times and venues before travelling. 

Bradford City Women are back at Horsfall for their North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division match against Sunderland West End, with kick-off at 2pm.

Bradford (Park Avenue) have moved their WRCWFL Cup tie with Leeds Medics & Dentists to Wyke Sports’ Village. 

Halifax FC Women have swapped their FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division match with Derby County this weekend to their opponents' ground at Mickleover. 

Last weekend, Halifax had a fast and furious start to their FAWNL Cup second round tie, away to Leeds United.

After five minutes, Monique Watson's shot was saved by Carrie Simpson, with Halifax skipper Shauna Legge firing in the rebound.

New signing Meg Boydell scored on her debut, directly from a free-kick, and the half ended with another debut goal, a Courtney Willis tap-in, to put Halifax 3-0 in front. 

Despite Boydell scoring a second to put the Eagles 4-0 in front, Leeds still felt they could force a penalty shoot-out and they hit back in spectacular fashion.

Laura Bartup's header hit the post, but Katie Astle was on hand to pull one back.

And with only around five minutes of normal time to go, Jess Rousseau's clinical finishing produced two further goals to make it 4-3 to Halifax, formerly Brighouse Town Women.

As tempers boiled over, Halifax were reduced to nine players, leading to a nervy ending to this West Yorkshire derby, before the final whistle signalled that the visitors were through to the third round.  

Huddersfield Town were away to West Bromwich Albion in the second round, and with 10 minutes to go they were 4-1 ahead.

But the “Baggettes” put away a penalty, then with only five minutes to go, scored from a rebound to bring the score back to 4-3, but the Terriers held out to book their spot in the third round.