Local women’s football has completed its season with the traditional Bank Holiday double-bill of the WRCWFL Shield and Cup Finals at County FA Headquarters in Woodlesford.

Bradford (Park Avenue)’s opponents in the morning kick-off were County First side Golcar United, who were promoted only last season. After a slow start to their season, Golcar then went seven matches unbeaten to secure a fourth-place finish in County First, and won four matches to reach the Shield final.

Bradford came into the game as favourites, but it was the underdogs who had a half-time lead after a goal from Eleanor Smith.

The second half of a brilliant advertisement for women’s football saw Avenue back in the game, with good play from Nat. Bell and goals from Jade Nelson and substitute Sophie Mitchell to give them a 2–1 advantage. But it was not over yet, as Raegan Cartledge scored a last-minute equaliser to send the tie to penalties.

The penalty shoot-out was also close. However captain and Player-of-the-match Annie Roberts closed off a 16-year spell at Avenue in style — by saving the last penalty of the match, as her team won on penalties 3–2 to win the Shield.

The League Cup Final was contested by County Premier rivals Sherburn White Rose and League champions Leeds Modernians.

It was goal-less at the break, but, despite Sherburn fighting right up to the final whistle, the second half went to form, as Aimee Myers and Bethan Barkley won the Cup for Mods, 2–0 the final score.

It was a double celebration, as Mods have been promoted to Regional League South.

Skipton Town, who finished third in the League, have announced some first-team awards.

Top scorer is Emily Throup with 23 goals in 17 starts, the most-Improved Player is Ruby Reynolds, the Captain’s Player is Sophie Fagan-Gaines, the Manager’s Player and winner of the “Andrew Midgley award” for Supporters’ Player is Beth Gaines, and Players’ Player is Poppy Saffery.

Meanwhile, in County Second, Athletico just miss out on two fronts. Bradford City’s u21s secured the second promotion place and will join next season’s County First line-up, and Crystal Boyce is top scorer in the Division with 43 goals in 20 starts, after their recent win at Queensbury.

After a season to forget, Queensbury Celtic are unfortunately relegated. However, they recently celebrated some individuals’ hard work across a very-long and weather-affected season!

The Most Improved Player was Emily Lazenby, who made the attacking creative midfield role her own. Top Creator, midfielder Jess Skelding, with a real edge to her crossing from wide areas creating good chances for her team-mates, was also joint-top scorer. Player’s Player was Molly Prosser, with consistent performances throughout the season.

Overall Player of the Year, Lily Greenwood, who also gained The Assistant Manager’s Award and was also joint-top scorer, has been willing to cover whenever needed, jumping into an attacking role for the first time after years at fullback.

In County Fourth, two teams have almost-identical records at the top of the table. Brighouse Town Juniors have the League’s top scorer in their side, Hannah Burgess with an incredible 57 goals in 16 starts. But Eccleshill United just shaded it on goal-difference, after only conceding 6 goals all season.

Ilkley Town Development, who finished in a respectable mid-table position, have given out some awards.

Scarlet Guise was top scorer, with eight goals in nine starts, Manager’s Player was Lucy Hayes, and the Players’ Player was Flo Berry.