ILKLEY Town had a disappointing first half in their West Riding County First Division game the previous weekend at a strong, organised Ackworth, going 2–0 down.

Chloë Parker pulled one back, but Ackworth converted a corner to finish 3–1 up.

Last weekend it was the eagerly-awaited “A65 derby”, with a young Ilkley side coming out very strongly at experienced rivals Skipton Town. Skipton's centre-back Katie Driver and Ilkley’s Josie Barnes and Ellie Wilson shone throughout. Both teams had chances, but it was Ilkley’s Isabelle Armstrong and Eva Curran who scored for the 2–0 away win.

Basement side Tyersal’s Demi Pringle was again on target, but it was a 6–1 win for Morley Town, who move up to second place.

Athletico put in a dominant performance at Huddersfield Amateur Reserves, as they sit proudly at the top of the West Riding County Third Division. They played some excellent football in the 5–0 win, with goals from Ikra Ali, Sadyha Akhtar (2), Megan Sparkes and Rimshah Amin.

Burley Trojans have been on the road the last two Sundays.

Against third-placed West Yorkshire Ladies, they put in a strong effort, but their hosts defended well and took their chances to take the points with a 4–0 win.

Over at Wortley, Troggs were much-improved from their previous two weeks’ efforts. They played well and worked hard, but, despite a Rebecca Clark strike, there were no points from a 2–1 loss.

Queensbury Celtic continued their improved form with back-to-back 5-2 victories at home against Crofton Sports and Farsley Celtic Women’s Reserves.

Against Crofton, Queensbury had control of an entertaining game from the start, going in 3-0 at half time, through Shoanna Clark and Emma Casson (2). Katie Waters and Amelia Greaves made it 5–0 in the second half, before two late consolation goals gave Crofton something to cheer about.

Visitors Farsley took the lead early in the first half, with Clark equalising before half time. But in the second half Queensbury took the game into another gear, with another for Clark, a first goal in senior football for Orla Durkin, and a first double for Safa Qayyum, to put the game out of reach. Farsley did pull one back with minutes to go, but it was too late to break Queensbury.

In County Second, Field Ladies continued their Thursday-night games at Hollingwood Lane, with a competitive one against Leeds Hyde Park.

From the off, Hyde Park dominated the game with grit and determination and were soon 3–0 up. After the break, Field went further behind but were ready to fight back. Finally in the 54th minute, Megan Schofield calmly beat the Leeds keeper in a 1v1, and in the 70th minute, Becky Teale hit home from 25 yards, lobbing the keeper. Hyde Park broke through again and bagged another goal in the 79th minute to make it 5–2.

Field travelled to Wakefield to play second-placed Hall Green United. Field looked a little rattled for the first ten minutes with the majority of the time spent defending the hosts’ attacks, but It wasn’t long though before Field settled and found their stride, starting to look dangerous on the attack. In the 20th minute, Megan Schofield calmly placed the ball in the back of the net. Eight minutes later, Schofield skilfully dribbled around opposition goalkeeper Adèle Jones to add yet another goal to her tally. Hall Green put away a penalty but brilliant defending from Emma Tuddenham, Julia Jefferis, Meg Howell and Gee Simpson kept Hall Green at bay, and Field won 2–1.

Field Ladies are busy at their Hollingwood Lane base for the next few days. Following Thursday’s home match against Boroughbridge (7.30), they host their Race Night on Saturday, and a dual fixture on Sunday (1) against West End Terriers.

Next weekend’s other dual fixture sees Thackley hosting Brighouse Sports at Ainsbury Avenue.

Meanwhile, Bradford (Park Avenue) concluded their season with a home game against Altofts in the Southern Division of the Northeast Regional League.

Once again squad availability was a problem, with several key players unavailable for the game.

However with barely a minute on the clock, Avenue were in front after a good strike from acting captain Nic Chamberlain. Avenue attempted a few long-range efforts but Altofts drew level after 10 minutes, with ex-Brighouse Town defender Emma Dobson giving them the lead shortly afterwards. A fairly-even first half saw Chamberlain score her second, but Altofts stepped up their game to go into the break 4–2 up. Unfortunately Avenue were unable to add to their tally and ended up with an 8–2 deficit.

In the West Riding Girls’ League, Bradford City u16s top u17 Division One, after a close 2–1 win at Wigton Moor. Their County Junior Cup Final has been confirmed for 22 April, when they will play current u16 Division leaders Ossett Albion.  REPORT BY: JOHN THORNTON