A NEW book takes a look at the early history of football in Yorkshire’s West Riding.

A Noble Winter’s Game, by Rob Grillo, features details about many long-gone teams, leagues and cup competitions from the Wharfedale district and covers the period from the late1800s up until the outbreak of the First World War.

Some of the old teams that are discussed include Guiseley Celtic, Menston, Rawdon and Horsforth - all of which achieved success in the early 1900s.

A Noble Winter’s Game recounts many humorous anecdotes, too, including the moment when a player was sent off for smoking on the field and an incident that saw a goal awarded after the goalkeeper’s cap had flown into the net. The book is on sale now on Amazon or by sending an e-mail to rob@robgrillo.co.uk.