The summer lay-off showed as Saints were slow to start in their opening game, losing 1-0 to the hosts.

Rhianna Purvis brought Saints to life in their game against Norristhorpe when she was found unmarked in the goalmouth and struck from close-range.

Purvis followed that up moments later with an almost identical strike before goals from Mia Cameron-Foulger and Bethany Waring completed the rout.

In the last game of the group stage against Altofts, Saints came back with a goal from Waring to earn a well-deserved draw.

Saints took an early lead in the quarter final against Idle with a cleverly-worked short corner by Waring for Rachel Littleboy to hit the target from outside the area.

However, Saints squandered their advantage with a defensive lapse and the game went into extra time and then penalties.

Successful spot kicks by Littleboy and Cameron-Foulger and some fine saves by keeper Kiera Holmes were enough to put Saints through to a second encounter with Farsley.

This time Saints dominated with strong play on the right by Liza Zhabina and goals from Cameron-Foulger and Waring.

Unfortunately, injury ruled Grace Powell out of the final against Altofts, who defeated Saints to claim this trophy last year.

Saints looked the stronger side in a tight game, with tough tackling by Teegan Simpson in defence, but they could not create a clear goal-scoring chance.

Stalemate after extra time meant another round of nerve-jangling penalties. In an extraordinary shoot-out, both sides failed to score with two superb saves from Holmes, parrying one over the bar and another diving to her left.

Under pressure, Purvis kept her nerve superbly to score the fifth penalty to secure the win.

CROSSLEY Belles under 12s got their second season off to a flying start by entering the Farsley Celtic football festival and emerging winners against some tough opponents.

Belles started in great form with a 3-0 win over Farsley and finished top of their group.

That took them to the final which they won 9-0.

Team: Lauren Capon, Sarah Bell, Cathrine Armstrong, Nieve Hargreaves, Ebony Dewhurst, Holly-May Crawshaw, Bethany Armstrong

Crossley Belles under14s require new players.

Any girl aged 12 before August 31 who wants to be involved should contact Martin on 07807 524 605 for training details.