As our local women’s football teams reach the conclusion of their season this month, there are still some final promotion and relegation positions in the West Riding County League to be decided.

Field knew that their mid-week County Third fixture at home to Leeds Hyde Park Seconds was one of their most important of the season, as a win would guarantee them promotion into County Second.

Field had early long-range efforts from Sarah Binns and Megan Sparkes tipped over the bar. But the first half shocked Field, and they had to dig deep and put in some solid defending, led by Player-of-the-match Kath Hawley, to keep Hyde Park at bay in a goal-less first half.

Field started the second half strongly, and the deadlock broke on 49’, when Binns lobbed the goalkeeper. Hyde Park continued to test and challenge, with stand-in goalkeeper Georgia Simpson preventing Hyde Park scoring. Hyde Park worked hard to keep Field from grabbing another goal, but the single goal was enough to secure promotion.

One of two teams could take the other promotion spot.

Harrogate Railway Reserves have completed their fixtures, but Skipton Town Development have games-in-hand. After they came away with a hard-fought three points against Leeds Hyde Park Seconds, thanks to a goal from Player-of-the-match Daniella Wildman, the “Mighty Whites” could even mathematically take the championship.

At the other end of the table, Tyersal faced another tough game against Huddersfield Amateur Reserves.

Tyersal were only able to name ten players on the day, three of whom have only commenced playing proper football this year.

Huddersfield got off to a good start, Jess Harris with an early brace. Tyersal responded with goals from Ella Priestley and Jess Matthews before the break, but Huddersfield were 4–2 ahead at the break.

There was good play from defender Becca Ogden, Sienna Scolefield, and also Deepikaa Govindarajan, who was playing her first full game, as the Robins dug deep to try to claw back something from the match. Tyersal were shattered from playing on one of the hottest days of the season, and Huddersfield scored again to win 5–2.

However, Tyersal retain their County Third status, after bottom club Bradford United forfeited their double-bill against Field.

In County Second, there are also two teams vying for one promotion spot.

Athletico suffered a shock 4–1 loss at Bradford City u21s, with a consolation goal from Isma Ahmed. However, the three points awarded from last Sunday’s game at Burley Trojans allowed them to climb to the top of the table on goal difference. Athletico’s tenure at the top only lasted a few hours, as Knaresborough Town have already secured one of the promotion spots following their 4–0 win at Rangers Athletic. Athletico’s season has now finished, and they have amassed 46 points and been at top of the league for pretty much the whole season. And what a fantastic run they’ve had, playing some great football, and pushing the top teams all the way.

Bradford City’s u21s are still in the promotion mix, as they followed up the win over Athletico with a 5–1 result at Leeds City in mid-week. The Bantams require six points from three games-in-hand to finish above Athletico.

Burley Trojans completed their season in mid-week with a 5–0 loss at home to Leeds City.

Queensbury Celtic were involved in a bottom-of-the-table “12-pointer” double-bill, featuring a Jess Skelding brace in game one that saw a 4–2 loss to Garforth Rangers.

However, there was better news in game two, as there were early goals from Skelding and Hollie Whitaker, and a second-half strike from Player-of-the-match Tally Diamond, in a 3–2 win. 

Turning to cup competitions, Silsden Juniors were expecting to play in the League Cup Final after fighting back from going 2–0 down to Sherburn White Rose in the semi-finals, to drawing 3–3 at the end and putting away all their penalty attempts. But Sils had unknowingly fielded an ineligible player on the day and will be unable to challenge Leeds Modernians at the end of this month.

Bradford (Park Avenue) were involved in the League Shield semi-finals, in a delayed tie at Rangers Athletic.

The hosts put in a massive effort and held the game at 1–0 for 70 minutes with no subs available. Ultimately this got the better of them in the end, as they conceded a number of goals to a well-organised Bradford late-on, including a brace from Player-of-the-match Jade Nelson. Also on the score-sheet were Emily McNulty, Kerry Brannan, substitute Abigail Binns, and a first goal this season from Sophie Mitchell.

The Final against Golcar United takes place on 26th May at Fleet Lane, with an 11 a.m. kick-off time. 

Leeds United suffered a double disappointment, falling to defeat in their final match of their FAWNL Division One North season, and also Jess Rousseau missing out on the Golden Boot award. Two Chester-le-Street Town goals before the break saw the Whites finish in sixth place, and Hull City midfielder Helen Lynksey scored twice at FC United of Manchester to gain the award.

Huddersfield Town have also had a disappointing FAWNL season, having finished in a relegation position. However their season has been brightened by a County Cup win, and two national player awards.

In the Sheffield & Hallamshire final, Doncaster Rovers Belles put in a valiant performance against higher-league Town. A superb second-half showing saw Belles twice come from behind, only for the Terriers to strike at the death to claim the trophy, a hat-trick from the lively Yasmin Mason proving to be the difference.

Ashley Tiripke has been named FAWNL Reserve Division (North) Player of the Year, shining through the rest of the competition to pick up the award, scoring 21 goals in 18 appearances for Town’s Development team. And Cara Fields is Northern Premier Division Player of the Year, after commanding performances in midfield across 21 appearances. 

In the Community & Education League, Bradford City’s U19s have been involved in a three-way fight to top the North Central Division, but have had mixed results in their final three games.

Against Manchester City ‘A’, the U19s were clinical in the first half to go 8–2 up, and controlled in the second half for an 11–3 win, with winger Aimee Myers earning Player-of-the-match.

The U19s had a frustrating match against Everton, losing 6–2 at home.

Their final game saw a 1–1 draw away to Sheffield United at Leisure Island.  It was a tough result to take, as they missed out on the championship, losing out to Everton by just the two points.