MOST matches in the West Riding County League went ahead, although there were some postponements due to two Cup games and waterlogged pitches.

County Second leaders Athletico conceded an early goal away to Garforth Rangers at Allerton Bywater. However an Ikra Ali free-kick soon restored parity. There were further goals from Rimshah Amin, a Sadyha Akhtar worldie and Hafza Khan with a well-taken touch and composed finish to take a 4–2 advantage into the break.

The second half saw further goals, including a wonderful solo run from Sadyha Akhtar on the way to a 7–3 victory.

Thackley went into their County Premier game against Harrogate Railway Firsts ready to put in a big performance after the narrow defeat they suffered the previous weekend.

The first half saw Thackley dominating possession, going 2–0 up with goals from Meg Jones and player-of-the-match Lois Cooper, who put in a brilliant attacking performance throughout the game. The defence was well-organised, and as a team created a lot of chances. But the half ended in a ding-dong fashion with further goals and Dennygirls were unfortunate to go in at the break with only a 3–2 advantage.

The second half saw Thackley AFC coming out strongly. A brilliant finish from Jess Dunlop put the home team 4–2 ahead. But Railway pushed back against the home side to score three more goals to take the points with another close win.

Silsden were involved in a competitive game at Sherburn. There was a goal-less first half but some phenomenal saves from the hosts’ ‘keeper and two late goals gave Sherburn the points.

Skipton Town came out on top in a tough challenge at Morley Town. Two well-taken finishes from Sophie Fagan-Gaines and Holly Morgan gave Mighty Whites a fine 2–0 win.

Ilkley Town came back from 1–0 down to win 5–1 in their County First game at Huddersfield Amateur, including an Izzy Armstrong hat-trick. Manager Claire Armstrong was delighted with the result: “Once again we’ve demonstrated our ever-improving character and resilience to find a way back into the game and go on to win.”

Bradford United found themselves 4–0 down at the break in their County Third match against Farsley Junior Reserves.

At the beginning of the second half, Bradford United’s Zahra Batool broke through the gap between the centre-backs and carefully slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner. With ten minutes until the final whistle, Batool stepped up and, with great composure, lobbed the goalkeeper from outside the box. The crowd held its breath as the ball arched over the ’keeper’s head, leaving her rooted to the spot, a spectacular display of individual skill and vision. Unfortunately Farsley scored four further goals for an 8–2 result.

Field started off brightly away to Harrogate Railway Reserves and went 1–0 up after five minutes, when a ball over the top from full-back Emma Tuddenham reached Megan Schofield, who coolly slotted in the opening goal.

The second half started with an Harrogate equaliser after a defensive error. However Field’s perseverance paid off when Megan Sparkes finally got her goal with a great strike: a 20-yard effort that flew past the keeper into the roof of the net. There were further chances for both teams as Field’s defence held firm to hold on to the 2–1 win.

Next weekend there’s a full League programme with many matches being played locally.

Bradford (Park Avenue) have a home game against Harrogate Railway at Horsfall, Brighouse Sports play Leeds Modernians, Silsden play Morley and Skipton play Leeds Medics and Dentists.

Ilkley have Hall Green United at home, Athletico play Rangers Athletic and Queensbury Celtic welcome Garforth to Deanstones Lane.

Bradford United entertain Skipton’s Development side, Field play Huddersfield Amateur Reserves, and in County Fourth there’s a top-of-the-table clash at St. Giles Road between Brighouse Town Juniors and Eccleshill United.

Bradford City first teamer Aaliyah Nolan retains her place in the Bermuda FA squad, when they play two games against Barbados on October 27th and 31st as they aim to top their group in order to qualify for next year’s inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Leeds United Reserves’ midfielder Trinae Edwards will also play in the “Road to CONCACAF W Gold Cup”.

WRCWFL Cup, Round 2, to be played November 5th (selected): Avenue v. Medics; Brighouse Town Juniors v. Queensbury; Farsley Junior Reserves v. Bradford City u21; Field v. Ackworth; Knaresborough v. Burley; Republica v. Tyersal; Sherburn v. Skipton; Silsden v. Brighouse Sports; Thackley v. Halifax Friendly.

Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup First Round Proper with an emphatic 7–1 victory over Chester FC.

Modernians, who play alongside Avenue in the WRCWFL, and include Bradford City FEP U19 player Aimee Myers in their squad, also went through. After beating Poppleton and Retford in earlier rounds, they recorded a 3–3 draw in normal play, going on to survive a 4–3 penalty shoot-out at Birtley.

FA Cup, First Round, ties to be played November 12 (selected): Burnley v. Huddersfield; Hull City v. Halifax; Modernians v. Sunderland West End or Darwen; West Didsbury & Chorlton v. United.