Women's Football: Brighouse braced for hectic schedule

But, for now, the Orange Army remain undefeated in the league since back in September, after doubles from Aimi Beresford and Charlotte Proud sealed a 4-2 win over Chester-le-Street.

After being handed a first defeat this year last Wednesday by Brighouse, Leeds United bounced straight back with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, with Carey Huegett’s first-half strike proving enough to seal a win that now moves them up to seventh.

However, Guiseley Vixens are still cursing their luck in Premier League North after a scrappy but even home affair with Derby County saw them lose 2-0 after an intended cross from Shannon Weston somehow found its way into the net before Lauren Cresswell’s unstoppable freekick left Guiseley bottom of the league and still without a win.

Meanwhile, Hepworth United’s pursuit of West Riding Premier Division leaders Tingley Athletic remains very much on after a brace from Joeline Forrest and a Hannah Nicholl strike earned a solid 3-0 victory at Bradford Park Avenue.

In-form Eleanor Field’s double saw Silsden see off Brighouse Athletic 2-0 for only their second win in six, while Wetherby Athletic gave their survival hopes a much-needed boost with a 6-0 thrashing of rock-bottom Brayton Belles.

Elsewhere, the first division title race took a huge twist after leaders Ossett Town were beaten 4-2 by second-placed Farsley Celtic Reserves, with Ellie Casper, Katie Platts, Aaliyah Allen and Beth Anderson’s goals leaving the Celt’s two points off top with a game in hand. Mid-table sides Clifton Rangers and Republica Internationale battled out a 2-2 draw.

Middleton’s seemingly unstoppable run continued in Division Two, after they crushed Hebden Royd United 10-0 to continue their perfect league record.

But it is Lower Hopton who remain top, albeit having played a game more, after battling to a 3-2 win at Boroughbridge, while Farsley Celtic Development picked up an impressive 5-0 win at Skipton Town.

The fight for second place in the Third Division saw Phoenix edge a great contest with Tyersal 4-3.

Thackley were knocked out of the West Riding League Cup semi-finals 4-1 by first division leaders Tingley Athletic, who will play either Farsley Celtic or Ripon City in the final.