LAST weekend there was almost a full programme for our local teams in the West Riding League.

Bradford (Park Avenue) played Thackley at Cemetery Road in a County Premier fixture.

Bradford currently have two key players out injured, however they wer buoyed by being able to name three new players in their line-up: Megan Butterworth, Lois Cooper and Megan Dunlop. Thackley, having lost four players from their roster at transfer deadline to make it already a challenging fixture, were further disadvantaged when regular goalkeeper Katie Bailey was unavailable on the day. Lu Negru, one of seven young players in a small squad, was standing-in between the sticks.

The first half saw Thackley defending hard, with some outstanding saves from Player-of-the-match Negru. She got her fingers to a cross, almost tipping it over the cross-bar, but the ball went in, breaking the deadlock, with a second conceded shortly afterwards to see Bradford with a 2-0 advantage at the break.

Bradford made several personnel changes for the second half, and were soon 4-0 up, despite two goals being disallowed and hitting the woodwork twice. Young Thackley substitute Iqra Javed showed her potential, blocking many Avenue attacks. However BPA went on to convert two more. A strong performance saw all three new signings playing a crucial part in a 6–0 victory that featured goals from Kirsty Russell-Holt, Kerry Brannan, Jade Nelson (2) and Millie West (2).

In other Premier Division games, Brighouse Sports lost 8–0 to current leaders Leeds Medics & Dentists, and Skipton Town had a disappointing double-bill at home to form team Leeds Modernians, losing 4–0 and 2–0 on the day. Brighouse host Skipton in a limited League programme on Sunday week, 7th April.

The Wednesday evening match at Keighley Road saw Silsden put in an energetic and enthusiastic performance against Mods, with a goal from Megan Gillibrand and good play from Player-of-the-match Gabby Whitham. Silsden were creating chances but unfortunately they lacked that final touch to convert them, as Mods took the points with a 4–1 win. This was Mods’ sixth win in ten days, propelling them up to second-place with four games-in-hand.

The League Cup Quarter-finals on 7th April sees Silsden entertaining Thackley at Keighley Road, and Mods away to Eccleshill United at Kingsway.

Field took on Tyersal at Chelsea Road, in a County Third double-header fixture, as both teams had only played half their games prior to last weekend. Field were without leading scorer Megan Sparkes, however skipper Becky Teale was back in the side, and Tyersal were able to name a full side.

After seven minutes of chances, a lovely ball from Anna Mitchell found Charlotte Hill, whose lay-off was powered into the top corner by Williams, a screamer of a goal from 25 yards, leaving the Tyersal keeper no chance. Although Field had the lead, they struggled to hit the ground running. Some great balls were being played into the attacking third by the wingers and central players, however the Tyersal defence led by Becca Ogden made it very difficult with a clever high-line catching the home strikers offside.

Field managed to hold on to secure the first three points of the day.

The second game saw Tyersal taking an early lead through their winger after ’keeper Emily McKinley was unable to stop a rebound. On the quarter-hour mark, an assist from Teale, working hard in the middle to win the ball back to assist Mitchell, whose fancy footwork took her past the defence to coolly slot home.

In the second half, Mitchell played an enticing cross into the danger area, which Meg Schofield calmly finished. Though the home team had the majority of possession, they still lacked the cutting edge required. As the minutes ticked down, with Tyersal pressing for an equaliser, Field got their much-needed cushion, Teale rounding the keeper to place the ball in the empty net.

Field’s 3–1 win takes them joint-top of County Third.

Looking ahead to the afternoon of 30th June, Halifax Friendly are holding another 7-a-side tournament at St. Giles Road. Following a successful event last year, 15 teams have already registered to take part. For entry and more information, please contact Ryan.West@Footy4All.com.