A HAT-TRICK from Millie Beales earned Stamford Bridge Under-12s a 3-0 victory over Poppleton Tigers (West) in the City of York Girls’ Football League Cup.

The preliminary round victory at Poppleton booked a home tie against Easingwold for Stamford Bridge.

The visitors started strongly and made the most of their shots on goal thanks to dead-eye Beales, and their defence marked Poppleton out of the game.

Poppleton Tigers (East) were also knocked out, losing 7-1 at Pickering Town. Abigail Wright scored Tigers’ lone goal.

The other two preliminary round ties are due to be held today, with Fulford Foxes hosting Tadcaster Magnets and Pickering Town entertaining Tockwith.

In the U10s preliminary round, Fulford will play Stamford Bridge Scorpions, Poppleton Tigers will host York RI and Scotton Scorchers will take on Brayton Belles on March 7.

The winners of the three ties will join Stamford Bridge in the semi-finals on March 28.

In the U13s competition, there are oustanding preliminary round games between Pickering Town and Stamford Bridge, Poppleton Tigers and Whitley Wolverines, and York RI and Fulford, which will be played on March 7.

Heworth are already through to the last four, which will be played on March 28. Wigginton Grasshoppers and Pocklington Town will meet in the preliminary round of the U14s Cup on March 7. The winners will play Fulford in the semi-finals on March 28, with Wetherby Athletic and Brooklyn meeting in the other last four tie.

The U15s preliminary round will take place today, with Tockwith hosting Tadcaster Albion, Knaresborough Celtic playing Whitley Wolves, Poppleton Tigers meeting Sherburn White Rose and Heworth taking on Copmanthorpe.

The U16s semi-finals will be played on March 28, with Kirkbymoorside hosting Fulford and Ripon City Panthers entertaining Brooklyn.

In league action, Knaresborough Celtic beat Kirkbymoorside 7-0 in the U15s north division, with Emily Grafton scoring five goals and Rachel Carmichael two.

York Railway Institute kept up their challenge for the U13s title with a 5-0 victory over Stamford Bridge. Amy Dennis scored twice to add to goals by Clare Barker, Stef Harper and Katie Warren.