Women's Football: Late strike condemns Leeds to latest loss

The Whites took the lead through Megan Maxtead but Arianne Palmer curled in the equaliser after Leeds missed a penalty. However, Crewe struck the vital blow with three minutes remaining, to send Leeds home with nothing.

Brighouse’s recent mini-revival was also halted after they succumbed to a narrow 2-1 home loss to promotion hopefuls Hull City. Emma Dobson headed in Kayleigh Bamforth’s corner to equalise after Hull’s early opener. However, a goal from Hull on 42 minutes was enough to take all three points, despite a largely encouraging performance from Brighouse. Hepworth United remain second in the West Riding Premier after Jo Forrest’s hat-trick, along with goals from Abigail Iggleden, Jayne Smith and Sophie King saw off Hemsworth Miners Welfare 6-1. Tingley Athletic Firsts are also close behind in third after beating bottom side Battyeford Firsts 2-0.

Leeds Medics and Dentists remain five points clear at the top, however, after dismantling Brighouse Athletic Firsts, who despite the loss still lie in reach of Tingley and Hepworth.

Silsden Firsts also kept up their fine form as an Isobel Di Franco hat-trick and a brace from captain Victoria Oxley contributed to their 8-0 win over Ossett Town Firsts.

A rampant second-half performance eased Tingley Athletic to a 4-0 win at First Division promotion rivals Farsley Celtic Reserves.

Wetherby Athletic’s promotion hopes seem over, as their stuttering form continued in a 3-3 draw at lowly Tyersal.

In the Second Division, Dewsbury Rangers drew 1-1 with Farsley Celtic Development, allowing Clifton Rangers to overtake Dewsbury into second, after braces from Jodie Berry and Gemma Robshaw along with Rebacca Croft’s goal vanquished Ossett Town Reserves 5-0.

Silsden Development also came out on top against Boroughbridge once again with a convincing 5-2 win.

Third Division leaders Middleton Athletic found life slightly tougher in their second game with Ilkley Town, but nevertheless gained a hard-fought 4-2 away win to remain at the top ahead of Ripon City Panthers, whose 5-0 win at Durkar Devils kept them firmly in pursuit of the summit.

There were strong home wins for Brighouse Athletic ‘A’ and Lower Hopton, with Georgia Lane and captain Emily Holroyd among the scorers for Athletic in their 3-0 win over New Farnley while Lower Hopton crushed Kirkstall Crusaders 6-1.