West Riding County Women's League Division One: Silsden 3 Bradford City A 0

Silsden boosted their hopes of clinching the runners-up spot by beating their promotion rivals.

In a game that was a credit to ladies football, the Cobbydalers showed commitment from the start. Their defence, superbly marshalled by Katie Fawcett, withstood early pressure before Jess Buck's flick into the path of captain Sophie Gaines almost saw her open the scoring.

The same combination set up another opportunity for Gaines. Her curling shot looked destined for the top corner but ended up going agonisingly over the bar.

The biggest threat from City was down the right flank but Christina Aston thwarted everything the speedy winger could come up with.

Silsden took the lead just before the break. Buck was released again and her cross found the top corner past the keeper's outstretched arms.

A tactical change saw the welcome return of Sarah Betterton to bolster the midfield with her dynamic running, while Kate Perfect joined the action at half-time.

With City failing to break through the dominant Cobbydalers defence – Becks Brown and Charlene Hutchinson were in imperious form while keeper Laura Thurling was on her way to a fourth clean sheet in five games – Silsden scored their second goal.

Patient build-up play was rewarded when player of the match Nicola Frankland played Stacey Wood through the middle and she clipped the ball over the advancing keeper.

Moments later Elly Field harried her opponent into the corner and emerged with the ball to put a pin-point cross into the box, which Wood neatly converted.