Last weekend’s football games for the women in the region were preceded by an impeccably-observed minute’s silence, to show respect for all those who lost their lives in both World Wars and other conflicts.

Wyke Wanderers hosted long-term rivals Forge Way in the West Riding League Premier Division at Bradford Academy.

Although Wyke were at home, there was a change in venue, which meant once again they had to change their style of play.

The pitch was slightly slippery underfoot and very narrow which meant Wyke found it difficult to take advantage of the width but they adapted well, with good play from Demi Molinari, and early goals from Lois Cooper and Millie West.

The second half saw substitute Sophie Mitchell make an immediate impression on entering the field, as she struck a hat-trick in a convincing 5-1 win.

Elsewhere, Farsley Celtic were at Harrogate Railway, hoping to continue at the summit but they lost 5-1 to cede top spot to Leeds Medics & Dentist.

The Celts ladies have had to switch their next two games to Castleford Academy due to the continued unavailability of Throstle Nest.

Ilkley Town and Skipton were both hoping for a favourable result in their derby at Ben Rhydding, in order to keep up with the top two.

It was the former who won emphatically, beating their visitors 5-1.

Silsden Juniors were hoping to continue their good run, as they travelled to Morley Town at Woodkirk Valley.

Despite not being at their best, a superbly-taken pair of braces from Megan Gillibrand and Kayla Williams gave Silsden a 4–1 victory, and a fourth consecutive win in the league.

Bradford City’s Under-23s were away to an in-form Ackworth for a Division One game.

Ackworth, who’d won their last four league games, and had earlier had close games against Thackley and Eccleshill United, not surprisingly controlled a lot of the match.

However, City went 1-0 in front, then scored two late goals to seal victory.

Ruby Whitaker netted twice, Annabel Rowe also scored, while goalkeeper Paige Harris was player-of-the-match.

Thackley dominated first half-hour against Huddersfield Amateur at Old Earth, finding a breakthrough on 29 minutes when Rachael White put them in front.

Later goals from Rosie Hodgson, Sophie Moulden and Demi Godson made it 4–0 at full-time.

Route One Rovers welcomed visiting Burley Trojans for a Division Two game.

The hosts went ahead with a well-taken goal from Isma Ahmed straight from kick-off and she went on to complete her hat-trick in a 5-0 win.

Rimshah Amin was on target for Route One’s other two goals.

Brighouse Sports put in a really strong performance at Boroughbridge but found themselves 2–0 down at half time.

Cherisse Messenger scored late on for the away side, but that goal proved to be only a consolation.

Field were all-square at half time away to Rangers Athletic, Megan Medley equalising with a long-range effort.

Player-of-the-match Lucy Rhodes put in an outstanding performance on the wing too but a well-organised Athletic scored three more goals after the break, Medley’s second long-range goal meaning the final score was 4-2 to the hosts.

Tyersal, who were at home to Harrogate Town U23s in Division Four, welcomed new player Charlotte Tiffany, who was awarded supporters’ player-of-the-match.

Izzy Hargreaves also put in good performance, but it was a 10–0 loss on the day.

In the FA Women’s National League Division One North, Leeds United were away to second-place Chorley at Runshaw Hall Lane.

On a typical Lancastrian afternoon, sodden and deceptively cold, a well-taken first-half brace from player-of-the-match Siân Gibrill-Keating, and a composed finish from Drew Greene, put the Whites into a commanding lead.

Former Brighouse Town attacker Drew Greene is now banging in the goals for Leeds United.Former Brighouse Town attacker Drew Greene is now banging in the goals for Leeds United. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Just before the interval, Chorley reduced the arrears, then just after the hour mark grabbed a second goal to set up a nervy ending to proceedings.

However Leeds saw out the game to claim all three points, to make it five straight wins, and within one point of leaders Middlesbrough.

Huddersfield Town recorded a goalless draw against Cheadle Town Stingers at Park Road.

Halifax and Stoke City were close for the first five minutes of their Premier Division match at Horsfall, but the visitors had a 2–0 advantage soon after.

Halifax limited the damage with a good defensive effort throughout the game, but two more goals ensured the game ended in a 4–0 loss for the hosts.