THERE was almost a full women’s football programme, once again with mixed results.

In the West Riding County League, Premier Division, Silsden were hosting the first of two local derbies, as they welcomed Skipton Town to Keighley Road.

Before the game, there was an impeccably-observed minute’s silence for 27-year-old Sheffield United vice-captain Maddy Cusack, who passed away recently.

A bumper crowd were treated to a fantastic game, with Skipton finishing their chances throughout the game. Silsden showed character, as they put Skipton under pressure in the second half. But Skipton’s defence held firm, as they chalked-up a 5–3 win.

Bradford (Park Avenue) and Morley Town battled with the windy conditions at Woodkirk Academy, with Morley taking advantage to score a quick-fire brace in the first half.

After the break, Bradford battled back with goals from Nic Chamberlain and Lou Molinari to secure a 2–2 draw.

Thackley started brightly against Leeds Modernians (formerly Yorkshire Amateur), and there were a few half-chances from both teams early doors. But after Mods’ first goal, the visitors dominated the game. Despite some spectacular saves from Dennygirls’ ’keeper Katie Bailey, the visitors recorded a 9–0 victory.

In County Second, Athletico started off on the back foot at a very strong Knaresborough Town side, as their ’keeper Claire Graham was beaten twice to see them 2–0 down in the first 15 minutes. However, another set-piece routine from Ikra Ali put Sadyha Akhtar through on goal to make it 2–1. Knaresborough then scored two more to give them a comfortable three-goal advantage at half-time.

In the second half, Athletico came out a different team, pressing, making passes and playing their strikers through, increasingly controlling passages of play and pushing Knaresborough back into their own half. Despite being out of position, centre-back Siham Sadiq controlled the game from the back and her calm-and-collected composure resulted in great link-up play between defence and midfield. After a good run from left-back, Aqsa Ahmad, a great style of play was rewarded with Isma Ahmed lobbing the keeper for a beautiful goal, as the game ended 4-2.

Bradford City’s u21s followed up last weekend’s 7–1 win against Horsforth St Margaret’s with a 10–2 victory at Garforth Rangers.

Burley Trojans were understrength at Wortley but despite this put in a great performance to win 5–1, including two from Heather Fisher.

Queensbury Celtic were not as fortunate, losing 8–2 to Wortley the weekend before, with late goals from Emily Uttley and Orla Durkin, then losing 5–0 at Leeds City.

In County First, Ilkley Town delivered a high-level performance against Hepworth United, to go 6–0 in front at half-time, including three from Izzy Armstrong, who contributed a looping shot over the keeper, a header and a fantastic free-kick from long-range. The remarkable game ended 10–0 to Baht’atters.

This Sunday, Bradford City Women are at Regional Premier rivals Hull United in the Women’s FA Cup, Second Qualifying Round.

In the previous round, Bradford (Park Avenue) were at Oughtibridge, who scored two unstoppable goals. Bradford made a go of it, with a few half-chances. Bradford’s Kerry Brannan scored a spectacular goal near the end, but it was a 5–1 loss.

Silsden were in difficulty against Dronfield Town, 3–0 behind with only a few minutes remaining. The Dragons’ Anna Fryers scored two great goals in the last five minutes of play, but it was a 3–2 loss.

Farsley Junior Ladies were 3–0 up, before hosts Altofts scored two from corners. An hand-ball made it 3–3, however the inevitable penalty shoot-out put Farsley into the next round, away at York RI this Sunday.

In the FA National League Cup, Halifax FC are at home to Stoke City and Leeds United are away to Peterborough United, and in the Reserve Cup, Bradford City’s u23s host Durham Cestria Reserves.

WRCWFL Cup, Preliminary Round (selected): Bradford United v. Garforth; Burley Trojans v. Shadwell; Crofton v. Brighouse Sports; Hepworth v. Bradford City u21; Leeds Hyde Park v. Field; Ilkley Town (First) v. Eccleshill; and Rangers v. Athletico.