The women’s football teams from the Bradford District and surrounding areas started their season last weekend, and for the West Riding County Women’s Football League Premier Division teams that meant the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Wyke Wanderers were playing league rivals Morley Town, with both teams eager to get through to the next round at home.

Wyke took the lead through Lois Cooper, but in a frenetic first 45 minutes, the score was 3-3 at the break.

The second half saw Wyke come out on top with a 5-3 scoreline, in a good all-round performance, which saw young Hannah Harrison awarded player-of-the-match.

Wyke’s next league opponents Farsley Celtic were making a first FA Cup appearance for three years, as they took on Sheffield United Community Foundation at the unfamiliar surroundings of Amaranth FC.

Farsley finished a brilliant display in the first half with a 2-0 lead, including a goal for Emma Elliot on her debut, and the Celts went on to win 5–1.

Forge Way, who previously played under the Farsley Juniors banner, were at home to Cleethorpes Town, who play in the Lincolnshire County League.

Forge Way were quick off the mark, resulting in an 8-0 win, including four for Shauna Hill.

Silsden and Skipton Town were playing sides from the tier above, who both play in the Northwest Regional League.

Silsden, who are at Ilkley on Sunday, were beaten 7-0 by a very good Accrington Stanley side, with the hosts working hard until the final minute.

Silsden warm up on Sunday ahead of their heavy FA Cup defeat to Accrington Stanley.Silsden warm up on Sunday ahead of their heavy FA Cup defeat to Accrington Stanley. (Image: Gavin Penrose.)

Skipton Town were the only side on the road, and were hopeful of a result at Runcorn Linnets, but lost 10-0.

The second qualifying round sees the WRCWFL Premier Division teams taking on step five teams, two tiers above in the Regional Premier Divisions.

Farsley Celtic travel the short distance to Horsfall Stadium to play Bradford City, Forge Way are away at Hull United, Ilkley Town entertain Chesterfield Ladies, and Wyke Wanderers are at home to Sheffield, with all ties to be played on Sunday, September 22.

In West Riding County League games, Field Ladies were at home to Leeds City in Division Two, with a much-changed line-up from last season.

Recently-promoted Field started the match brightly, going ahead through Meg Sparkes’ header on 10 minutes and despite Leeds City pushing for an equaliser. Sparkes lobbed home a late second goal over the onrushing keeper to secure a hard-fought 2-0 win.

Burley Trojans had a game of two halves against Rangers Athletic, taking a deserved early lead through a Nic Frankland header.

But Rangers dominated the second half, an 88th-minute equaliser meaning the points were shared.

Brighouse Sports lost their match against Bradford-based Route One Rovers 2-0, Alishba Khan and substitute Sanaa Shaik both finding the net, with the gifted Zanib Taj standing out for the victors.

Queensbury Celtic were at Huddersfield Amateur Reserves for their Division Three game.

It was a game which saw plenty of chances and though Jess Skelding notched a brace for Celtic, Huddersfield took the points with a 3-2 win.

Eccleshill United recorded a 5-1 win against Lower Hopton Development, with a particularly good display coming from the player-of-the-match, young Millie Fletcher.

Tyersal were away to Halifax Friendly in Division Four and while new signing Isobel Hargreaves received the player-of-the-match award, it was a 10-1 loss on the day.

Sophie Woodrup scored the consolation goal for the Bradford side.

Thackley were away to Ackworth for their Division One opener, playing their new-look line-up.

A Rachael White brace gave the Dennygirls a 2-0 lead at the break and though Ackworth did pull one back on the hour mark, but the visitors still recorded a 2-1 win.

Thackley are at home this Sunday, and the full league programme includes the following teams at home: Burley, Queensbury, Route One, Salts, and Tyersal.