BINGLEY Bees will go into the new Yorkshire Women's Division Two season this weekend with a spring in their step following their latest 3-2 friendly victory over Skipton, who are from a division higher.

After a very defensive first quarter, the Bees conceded from a goalmouth scramble, but bounced back to record their second victory in as many warm-up clashes.

The Bees face Thirsk-2 at Bradford Grammar School on Saturday (2.30pm).

Much-changed Bingley Bees men faced Barnsley in their last friendly, and went 4-0 down in the first quarter.

The match was split into quarters because of the excessive heat to give more opportunity for water breaks, and Bingley tried to sort out their marking issues at the first break, when they also changed personnel.

They retained possession better and became more creative, especially on the right wing, with George Holmes, Simon Woodhead, Luke Matthews and Lewis Miller combining delightfully on occasions to cut through Barnsley's defence.

Danny Greenwood and Peter Michael also linked well in central midfield, despite not playing in their natural positions (goalkeeper), but their fitness levels helped significantly in driving the attacks and assisting in breaking down opposition attacks.

Miller performed particularly well on his Bees debut on the right wing.

His hold-up play and distribution was excellent, bringing other team members into play even when faced with strong opposition from a physical Barnsley defence, and he was rightly the Bees' man of the match.

Although the final score was 6-1 to Barnsley, the game was a good opportunity for a number of new members to fit into the side.

On Saturday, the Bees are at home to Mirfield in Yorkshire Four North at Bradford Grammar School (1.00).