Bradford City A WFC 3

Silsden AFC Ladies 5

SILSDEN’S first competitive fixture since their amalgamation with Keighley was given a dream start when vice-captain Sophie Gaines netted in the third minute.

Rebecca Granger, Elly Field, Jane Newell and Stacey Wood all went close but Bradford were threatening on the counter with Silsden struggling to match their pace on the wings.

Bradford equalised after 22 minutes and went ahead three minutes later.

Bradford continued their ascendancy after the break extending their lead to 3-1 before Silsden hit back.

Melissa Houldsworth latched onto a poor goal kick, turned her marker and hit a rasping shot over former Silsden keeper Georgia Simpson from outside the area.

Silsden were revitalised and equalised after 64 minutes when Wood latched onto Gaines’ pass to slot home.

Silsden keeper Laura Thurling made some fantastic saves before Silsden edged ahead after 80 minutes when Wood headed her second from a Granger corner.

Gaps started to appear with City on the hunt for an equaliser. Jess Buck followed up a parried shot to confirm the Silsden victory in the 83rd minute.

Winger Jane Newell was awarded Silsden’s match point by the opposition.

Silsden Firsts host Wetherby Athletic Reserves in the First Division on Sunday and Silsden Development start their Third Division campaign at home to Dewsbury Rangers.