THERE was a limited local women’s football programme due to League Cup fixtures and waterlogged pitches.

The day’s only West Riding County Second game saw leaders Athletico strong and determined, to go 4–0 up in the first 20 minutes after four goals from Sadyha Akhtar. There was a quiet spell after that as visitors Boroughbridge found their feet and attempted to get back into the game. Athletico played to their strengths and continued to move the ball up the pitch, but struggled to find the back of the net.

The second half saw a strong start again as skipper Ikra Ali scored two more. Player-of-the-match Isma Ahmed, with three assists, played her position perfectly, setting-up goals, playing through-balls and dancing past players with her quick feet. Athletico kept a clean sheet for their 6–0 victory.

County First leaders Ilkley Town were tight, aggressive and energetic from the first whistle, as they recorded a 5–0 victory over Huddersfield Amateur Firsts. Millie Dawson scored four, plus one from Izzy Armstrong, as they both added to this season’s impressive goal tally.

Meanwhile, Ilkley Town’s Development side were away to a well-organised and structured Shadwell United team, leading to a very-even match. However, Ilkley stayed strong, fought hard and dug out the win, with a first clean sheet and a goal for Ellen Kennedy in the 1–0 win.

Skipton Town Development went into the break of their County Third match with a 2–0 advantage, with goals from Raegan Percival and Ngoc Hart.

The game saw many chances for both sides. Visitors Kinsley tried to get back in the game with their manager Dawn Whitehead coming on. But Skipton held firm, with good play from Dee Rutherford, a magnificent solo goal from Percival, and Becca Brown wrapping up the proceedings for a 4–0 win.

Skipton Town’s First Team were at Sherburn White Rose in the League Cup, the first of two Cup games in consecutive weekends.

With Skipton giving away an own-goal on the stroke of half-time, it wasn’t looking good for the visitors. And further goals in the second half saw Skipton going out 3–0, with a County Cup tie between the League rivals due at the weekend.

Tyersal were not only short of players, they were also away to a team from two divisions above, former League rivals Republica Internationale. It was always going to be a struggle, with some fringe players starting and regulars out-of-position. Nevertheless the Robins did play well in the 9–0 loss, as they look forward to their League game against Lower Hopton.

Queensbury Celtic were away at Brighouse Town Juniors. Queensbury’s injury-ravaged squad were unable to stop an 11–0 defeat.

The postponed League Cup games are due to be played this coming Sunday, including Bradford (Park Avenue)’s match away to Leeds Medics & Dentists, Silsden’s clash with Brighouse Sports at Keighley Road, and Thackley’s home tie with Halifax Friendly.

In the FAWNL, Leeds United were away to Division One North leaders Barnsley Women, who signed the Bantams’ Charlotte Stuart and Katy Woodcock at the start of the season.

It was goal-less at half time, but that didn’t last long, as ex-Barnsley player Lucy Turner turned the ball into the net for an unfortunate own-goal. There were chances for the Whites, but Barnsley scored two more to take this Yorkshire derby 3–0.

Halifax FC were away to Derby County for an Northern Premier Division match.

A cagey first half ended goal-less, but five minutes after the break, a powerful left-footed strike put the Ewes ahead. Halifax pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and in the 90th minute substitute Olivia Wilson charged into the box, finishing calmly for the equaliser.

The weekend’s FA Cup ties see Halifax away to Hull City with a 1 o’clock kick-off at Barton, and Leeds United travelling to West Didsbury and Chorlton.

Looking ahead to the next round of the League Cup on 24 January, Halifax host Huddersfield Town, and Halifax Reserves are also at home, in the Reserve Plate.

In the NERWFL, Farsley Junior Firsts chalked-up their first win of the season, a 5–1 victory over Ripon City.

Bradford City’s new manager Emily Senior is no stranger to the NERWFL. The former centre-back took on player-manager duties at Ossett United and got them promoted to their present status in the Premier Division.

Bradford City’s u19s have continued their good form in the Community & Education Alliance.

Last week saw a 6–0 win “on the road” at Manchester City, featuring a goal from skipper Alyx Gregson and good play from player-of-the-match, all-rounder Sophie Martin.

This week’s 5–0 win against Derby County was a clinical and composed performance, with some outstanding football on show, including two goals from player-of-the-match Summer Paley.