Women's Football: Vixens mark home return by going to top of table

After more than four months away from Nethermoor, Guiseley Vixens' return to the ground also saw a return to the top of the Northern Division One, after seeing off visitors Chorley 2-0, writes CONNOR CRAIG-JACKSON.

Liv Thackeray broke the deadlock with an expertly placed shot that went in off the post and Sarah Danby smashed in the second to keep Guiseley top on goal difference with three games in hand.

The league outings aren’t getting any easier for mid-table Leeds, however, with two goals in each half from Chantelle Thompson, Carina Mendes, Amy Seagraves and Abby Pope seeing them lose 4-0 to Liverpool Feds.

In the West Riding Premier Division, the title is now out of reach for Tingley Athletic Firsts, after losing 4-2 at Bradford Park Avenue.

Tingley took the lead twice in the first half only for Kirsty Russell and Nic Chamberlain to respond. Top scorer Natalie Bell then gave Bradford a deserved lead before Rebecca Teale’s first Avenue goal sealed a great win that leaves them all but safe following a six-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.

Hemsworth Miners Welfare are also virtually safe despite losing 3-0 to visitors Brighouse Athletic Firsts, while relegation rivals Ossett Town ended their Premier Division campaign with a 3-1 loss to Brayton Belles despite Danielle Sidebottom’s second-half goal giving them hope.

A 0-0 draw for Yorkshire Amateur and Farsley Celtic Reserves leaves the First Division title wide open for Tingley Athletic Reserves, who have two games to make up a four-point gap on leaders Yorkshire Amateur, who have finished their league fixtures.

After last week’s loss, First Division champions Clifton Rangers were back in the groove, winning 1-0 at Dewsbury Rangers through Jodie Berry’s first-half goal.

At the other end Amaranth proved they won’t be relegated without a fight, coming back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Ossett Town Reserves.

Town looked set to win after Romy Bearder, Cath Endersby and Angie Gaughan put them 3-0 up at half-time.

But Amaranth rallied through Jennie Cawood, Leanne Farrell and Hannah Fox to take a well-earned point.

It was another big win for Ilkley Town in the Third Division with a classy 7-2 victory over New Farnley, who finished their league season.

Ripon City Panthers bagged a strong first Supplementary Cup win to go second in the Northern Group after a 7-1 thrashing of Skipton Town.