REPORT BY JOHN THORNTON

IN THE West Riding County Women's Football League’s First Division, Ilkley Town won a thriller at home to Huddersfield Amateur.

A well-organised Baht’atters side dominated the first half, before resisting a second-half onslaught by a determined Amateurs. The 4–3 win saw Ilkley move up to second place.

Third-placed Skipton Town put in a dominant display to beat Dewsbury Rangers 11–1, with goals from Beth Bancroft (3), Harriet Brewer (3), Alicia Smith (2), player of the match Holly Morgan (2) and Corina Riley.

Basement side Tyersal had good play from goalkeeper Sophie Woodrup, and goals from Abbie Tate and Kadie Lawford, but they are still without a point after a narrow 3–2 loss at home to Ackworth.

In the Premier Division, Silsden and Harrogate Town’s Reserves fought out a close game, with both teams battling brilliantly.

Sophie Fagan-Gaines (penalty) and Poppy Best were on target for the Silsden ladies who, despite a great performance, with a particularly good midfield display from Alice McNee and Bex Seward, lost 3–2.

Thackley lost 3–1 to Leeds Medics and Dentists.

In the Third Division, Athletico and Queensbury Celtic met in a local derby, with both teams seeking a win after recent disappointing results.

Athletico were 2–0 up at the break, going 3–0 up soon after. But Queensbury fought back, as Shoanna Clark put away a well-taken penalty for Queensbury, then scored a 45-yard screamer to open up the game.

Amelia Greaves’ wonder strike made for an exciting finish as she levelled the game up at 3-3.

However Athletico’s forwards’ pace was decisive as they scored two more to win 5–3.

Sadyah Akhtar (2), Megan Sparkes (2) and Ikra Ali were all on target to keep Athletico up with the current leaders.

Bradford (Park Avenue) Development had a frustrating afternoon at Kinsley, as they were unable to find the target despite having many chances.

Kinsley won the bottom of the table clash 2–0 after a Samantha Nutt brace.

Burley Trojans were also disappointed to lose 2–0 away to Horsforth St. Margaret’s.

This coming Sunday, there are some changes to the scheduled WRCWFL programme, with Bradford (Park Avenue) Development now away to Huddersfield Amateur Reserves at Old Earth.

Athletico, Burley, Skipton and Thackley (Firsts) have home fixtures.

In the West Riding Girls’ League, Bradford City’s Under-18s put in a great performance to win 3–0 at Castleford White Rose.

Their U16s put in a battling performance in their West Riding FA Girls’ Junior County Cup semi-final to win 2–0 at Battyeford Belles.

City will now play Ossett Albion Juniors in the final.

Field Ladies continued their friendlies, with home games against Athletico and Republica Internationale.

A frosty Thursday evening saw a Kirsty Setchell screamer open Field’s tally to go into the break 1–0 up.

Athletico started the second half strongly, with Megan Sparkes’ equaliser coming within 10 minutes of the re-start.

Tara Kirby lobbed the Athletico ’keeper to help Field regain the lead, but then an Athletico corner resulted in Connie Lea scoring from a back-post scramble to make it 2-2, which is how the score stayed.

After a goalless first half against Republica, Field were too strong for their opponents after the break.

Charlotte Hill placed the ball into the back of the net to put them in front, then Hope Nicol scored two more for a 3–0 win.