THERE was another limited Women’s Football programme locally last week, after some pitches remained waterlogged.

One game that did go ahead was Thackley’s County Premier match at home to Morley Town.

Thackley had goals from Sandra Bates and Sandra Bates. New signing, defender Grace Lund was making her first appearance after long-term injury and was awarded player-of-the-match.

But the “new look” Morley, who now include players from the defunct Wakefield Reserves, took the points with a 4–2 win.

County Premier leaders Skipton Town Firsts were away at Harrogate Railway.

Railway played well, with their goalkeeper making a ‘worldie’ save near the end. Skipton had a goal from Emily Throup, and good play from defender Bethany Gaines, as they gave their all to the end, but it was a 2–1 loss, as their unbeaten run came to an end.

Next weekend’s fixture list sees several key games, as Skipton, who are looking to increase the one-point gap between themselves and second-place Leeds Medics & Dentists, are at Leeds Modernians, who have seven games-in-hand after their recent cup exploits. Silsden host second-place Leeds Medics & Dentists. Thackley and Brighouse Sports meet at Ainsbury Avenue in a bottom-of-the-table clash.

Tyersal did play well in their third game of the season against Lower Hopton Development, as they were hoping to host Field in the next round of the League Shield this weekend.

Tyersal introduced new player Amy Barnett, recently signed in the ‘transfer window’.

An injury-ravaged Tyersal were forced to make changes to their formation, and the game was goal-less at half time, and Tyersal held out until a 65th-minute penalty put Hopton in front. Unfortunately six more goals went Hopton’s way, and will host Field on Sunday.

Last weekend, Tyersal were at Huddersfield Amateur for a County Third game.

Lauren Burnett was Player-of-the-match after some outstanding tackles and two assists. There were goals from Hayley Robinson, Jess Matthews and a first goal from Amy Barnett. But it was another disappointing result, as Huddersfield Amateur won 4–3.

Farsley Celtic had a hard-fought 3–1 win in County First against Brayton Belles, after an own goal and a Georgia Bull brace.

Bradford City’s u21’s switched their County Second game to Burley Trojans’ rec.

Both sides made mistakes which cost goals but a good work out nonetheless, with City scoring through a Crystal Boyce brace and Ellie Walters. Troggs’ Heather Fisher and Bethan Smith were on target, with Smith adding an equaliser in time added-on. The 3–3 draw was an even contest and probably a fair result on the balance of play.

Next weekend, City’s u21s are scheduled to meet Athletico in a local derby, and Queensbury Celtic host Knaresborough Town.

Bradford City’s U19s entertained Aston Villa at Wyke Sports Village, for a Community & Education Alliance match.

A close contest saw City 3–1 ahead at one point, but Villa kept up, with City edging an eleven-goal thriller at the end, with hat-tricks from Crystal Boyce and Player-of-the-match Tiah Smith.

City’s U19s are through to the knockout stage of the League Cup, where they have a long trip, away to Aston Villa ‘A’ on 20th March.

In the third of four consecutive FAWNL Division One North games in the Northeast, Leeds United were away to Norton & Stockton Ancients.

On the 22nd minute, Katie Astle latched onto a fine pass from captain Olivia Smart into the box on the left. Through on goal, the forward took a touch to compose herself before sliding a low finish past Kelsie Moore to put the Whites a goal to the good. If it wasn’t for Moore in the Norton goal, Wood’s side would have wrapped things up long before the full-time whistle, with the hosts’ stopper making two stunning saves to deny Astle from extending the lead. Having dominated proceedings for the full 90 minutes, United defended resolutely as Norton piled bodies forward in the dying moments, seeing out the game well to pick up their third win in four league matches.

Halifax FC hosted Hashtag United in the FA National League Cup.

Halifax’ manager Rob Mitchell was forced to make changes, after some players were unavailable for their second semi-final in seven days.

Halifax were previously known as Brighouse Town when they played at St Giles Road, but before that they were Kirklees Ladies. And the team from Essex were formed as Basildon Ladies in 2004, before being invited to join up with men’s team Hashtag United in 2020.

Midfielder Eva Frazzoni has recently captained the Bermuda FA representative team, striker Sammy Rowland received last season’s Golden Ball award for scoring the most goals in the FA Cup, and Emma Samways has played locally for both Guiseley Vixens and Huddersfield Town.

In only the second minute of the game, a ball from Samways was cut back, with Rowland finishing calmly in a clinical move. There were chances for both sides, and an impressive performance from Halifax’ Becky Flaherty in goal kept Hashtag United out on multiple occasions.

On 57 minutes, Rowland struck the ball near post under the keeper for her second goal for the visitors. Halifax stepped up the pressure near the end but shots went wide.

The visitors’ 2–0 victory sees them though to the Final at Luton’s Kenilworth Road, where they will play Newcastle United.

● Nottingham Forest can confirm that Sunday’s Northern Premier Division fixture against Halifax has been reversed, and will now be played at Grange Park, Long Eaton.