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Under 16's 09/10

A TEAM MATCH REPORTS 2009-10

16th May 2010

 

Beverley Town Ladies FC   1-2    Bradford City WFC A

  

The last away game of the season saw City travel east along the M 62 to play 3rd in the table Beverley.

 

Due to a number of factors, injuries, operations etc City could only field 10 players. The plan however was to stay positive and work to our strengths. Gary explained the tactics in a good pre match brief and from the kick off the players stuck to the plan.

 

Despite being one player down City dominated the game and came close to scoring on several occasions. They did get in the lead 5 minutes before half time but 3 minutes later conceded a goal against the run of play. The halftime talk was positive, but the message was simple, keep to the plan. City did just that and the work rate continued at a high tempo despite being a player short. They were rewarded with another goal to go back in the lead 2-1. City continued to dominate and Beverley rarely threatened to get back in the game.

 

For 90 minutes 10 players did the job they had been instructed to do, defended solidly as a team and then supported the attack when we were on the offensive, working their socks off. Victory felt like winning a cup and as well as a performance of effort it was definitely one of quality. I have not mentioned any names, not even the goal scorers, because it was a team effort, everyone could have won player of the match.

 

By the way apparently it was somebody’s birthday. Awayawayawayawayawayaway or something like that.

2nd May

Bradford City 'A'
   4-3   Keighley LFC


After taking the lead City collapsed in a heap for a 12 minute time period during the second half and found themselves 3-1 down. But with 10 minutes remaining the management made the decision of swapping Katie Suttron for Jade Szpara between the sticks and both players played a massive part in this great turn around. Jade prevented Keighley extending their lead with a good one on one save and Katie Suttron who was placed on the front line caused havoc amongst the Keighley back four. Sarah Binns who showed a faultless display gave hope to City after striking home a 25 yard shot to make it 3-2. Then Katie Suttron bagged a magnificent pair in the last 4 minutes to take maximum points which stunned the keighley team.

4th April 2010

A mixture of reserves, past players and under 16's made up the Bradford City team who turned out to play Keighley LFC in the 25th Anniversay of the 'Valley Parade Fire' Annual Memorial Tournament held at The Marley Stadium, Keighley.

Keighley lifted the trophey after beating City 2-1 in a very close contest between the two teams. Despite the cold weather this years tournament was very well supported.

sb040410.jpg
click picture to see more action shots.


30th August, 2009                   

Bradford City 'A' Team   6-0 Wetherby Athletic LFC (L)
 Laura Gadd (38)
Chelsey Faulkner (43,82)
Claire Popplewell (70)
Jess Pearson (77)
Bryony Wraith (87)

 The A team opened their league campaign with a visit from Wetherby, hoping to put behind them their cup exit the previous week. Bradford started brightly and dominated the game but could not convert their advantage into goals against a brave Wetherby  defence.  As half time approached Wetherby conceded an indirect free kick in the penalty box after the keeper was ruled to have picked up a back pass. A neat free kick saw captain Sarah Binns lay off the ball to Laura Gadd who executed a sweet finish. This goal only served to increase the domination of the home side and the lead was doubled following a great run down the wing from Claire Popplewell. Popplewell followed her run with a pinpoint cross which was met confidently by Chelsey Faulkener who volleyed the ball into the back of the net.  The teams went in at half time with City deserving their 2 nil lead. The second half continued in the vein of the first half with City on top creating several chances. Throughout the side the players were confident on the ball, passing neatly and switching play from one wing to the other and patiently building their chances. After 65 minutes the hard working and creative Kath Connell was replaced by Hannah Rosenberg who continued the good work on the right flank. These two players along with Jade Szpara, Laura Fagan, Emma Dobson and Bryony Wraith were all making their League debuts and such an abundance of talented young players must augur well for the Club. Their patience and good football was rewarded in the 70th minute when further good work from the sprightly Popplewell saw her skip past a Wetherby defender before looping a fine shot over the keeper to increase the lead to 3 nil. City were in full flow now and it was only a matter of time before they increased their lead. Wraith delivered some excellent corners throughout the game and such a delivery was met in the 74th minute by Jess Pearson to calmly finish and make the score 4 nil. It was a goal that rewarded some fine corners but also an excellent display by Pearson who alongside Binns dominated midfield. Faulkner added to the scoring again with a fine run beating a defender and curling the ball into the net from outside of the box. Wraith, who put in a player of the match performance, capped it off by finishing the scoring and calmly finishing following a goal mouth scramble. It was a game that City dominated and played mainly in the opposition half but credit must go to the defence who did all that was asked of them and kept a clean sheet. Claire Armitage forged a good partnership in the centre of defence with Dobson, Szpara in nets cleared when required and the two full backs Fagan and Gadd as well as defending well supported the attacks and worked hard throughout. Last weeks cup defeat taught the team a lot of lessons and was reflected in the performance today. All 12 players worked hard but know there are many difficult games ahead. Although we can’t get carried away we have a good platform to build on. 

Player of the Match 30.08.09 v Wetherby                                   Bryony Wraith
Player of the Match 23.08.09 v Sheffield United Community           Sarah Binns

2008/09

Sunday 8th March

 

Ossett Albion 2 – 4 Bradford City A

                               Garside 3

                                         Faulkner

                                        

It was a day for Hail Mary’s as the City A Team made the short trip down the motorway to main championship rivals Ossett Albion for the biggest game of the season so far.

The winners of this game could potentially go on to win the league and understandably tensions were very high.

After sharing some love in the changing room beforehand City went out in a positive frame of mind and started the brighter. They were unlucky not to have taken the lead on 3 occasions early on when Mel G went through but shooting narrowly wide. For a spell Ossett began to assert and were given a harsh looking penalty decision after a perfectly timed sliding tackle by Hannah was adjudged to have been player before ball. Fortunately Ossett put it wide and justice was done.

With so much at stake the game was poised on a knife edge and the teams went in 0-0 at half time.

The 2nd half saw City with wind and slope advantage and again started very much on top. They were rewarded on 54 minutes when Chelsey Faulkner opened the scoring with a cheeky back heeler following a corner.  

On 60 minutes a great move saw Vicky Wood chip the ball over the defence to Pops running into the box who in turn laid it back to the oncoming Mel G who fired it first time into the top corner. Ping, Pong, Ping goal. With this goal the tension subsided as Ossett deflated and City relaxed.

The 68th minute saw both teams removed from the playing area and into the dressing rooms by the referee as a violent hail storm hit, but 5 minutes later battle re commenced.

City were worried about disruption to their momentum but it wasn’t to be as they continued to dominate and 10 minutes later Mel G added to her tally following a neat pass from Chelsey.

Barber, Pops and Erin then made way for Fickling, Gaddi and Becky B who all got stuck in from the outset to carry on the good work.

The final 8 minutes saw Ossett rally and pull a goal back but the 3 goal advantage was soon restored when Mel G completed her hat-trick with a fearsome volley into the roof of the net from 23 yards.    

Ossett to their credit were not finished yet though and rallied again in the dying minutes and grabbed a second following some City hesitancy in the box. Aidan at this point was saying Hail Mary’s of his own but the job was done.

Mel G was awarded player of the match for her hat trick and intelligent ball play whilst Chelsey came a close 2nd for her tireless running and battling against a very strong and physical Ossett defence.

City now need 3 wins out of their last 4 games to take the Championship for the 2nd year running.

A Mountain is being climbed and we have just overcome the trickiest part, the summit however is still a long way ahead.

 

 

 

 

Sunday 22nd February

 

Keighley 2 – 5 Bradford City

                       Jayne Barber

                       Claire Pops

                       Mel Garside

                       Sarah Binns

                   Laura Gadd

 

A local derby with neighbours Keighley is never easy and this game was no exception.

With the elements against us first half we were blown in the wind and blinded by the (sun) light but took an early lead when Jayne calmly steered the ball past the advancing keeper following a good pass from Becky Bostock.

A shaky 10 minutes followed allowing Keighley back in and they scored 2 goals in 3 minutes to go 2-1 up.

We were put off our stride for a few minutes but as we have done consistently throughout the season showed character and fight and began to control the game.

This effort was rewarded when Claire Pops converted a Becky Fickling pass across the 6 yard box to make it 2-2 just before half time.

With the elements on our side we dominated the 2nd half and it wasn’t too long before Laura gave us the lead with a long range effort that the keeper got her hands to but couldn’t prevent spinning over the line.

Bradford were now well on top and Keighleys frustrations surfaced when Pops was scythed down by a very late challenge. Pops gingerly got to her feet and hobbled about for a minute or two obviously hurt. As captain she has led by example all season and this was shown again when despite carrying a knock raced back to help the defence. It’s that effort throughout the whole team that makes the A Team what it is.

The 4th goal came 10 minutes from the end when Pops slid in a pass to Mel G down the left who ran into the area and cleverly steered the ball round the keeper from an acute angle.

City capped off a brave display when Binns dummied to hit it with her right, switched it to her left and fired it in to the corner following good work from Mel G.

Hannah gave a brave display yet again in defence, Bostock showed bravery in midfield and the energy of Barber up front was a constant thorn in the Keighley defence.

The Management player of the match however went to her striking partner Mel G who’s distribution and link up play was excellent and she capped off her performance with a fine goal.

 

 

 

Sunday 9th November

 

Bradford City A Team 5 v 2 Keighley

Olivia Duxbury    3

Claire Popplewell 17

Melanie Garside   55, 75

Chelsey Faulkner 60

 

It was a top versus bottom clash with league leaders Bradford City hosting local rivals Keighley at a sodden Rawdon Meadows. Keighley had played three games less than City and are probably in a false position but the home team were soon in the lead. City opened the game  brightly and a goal mouth scramble ended with Olivia Duxbury sticking the ball into the back of the net after 3 minutes. Despite the muddy conditions and several heavy showers City move the ball well and increased  their lead after 17 minutes with another Claire Popplewell special making it 2-0 to City.

Keighley responded swiftly  and pulled one back on the 20 minute mark to make it 2-1. City dominated the rest of the half creating most of the chances but failed to increase their lead and the halftime whistle blew with the home team having the slenderest of leads.

 

It looked to be one of those games where the next goal would determine the shape of the match. It was to the dismay of the home team then, that a shot from outside the box found the back of the City net and pull Keighley level with the score 2-2. Keighley had started the half aggressively pushing players forward but this left  gaps at the back. Melanie Garside exploited the situation finding herself space on the right wing. She picked the ball up close to the halfway line carrying the ball towards the Keighley box and unleashed a shot that soared into the back of  the net restoring City's lead. It was this goal in fact that prove to be the defining one as City's class shone as they played quality football on a pitch that was virtually a mud bath. The defence again looked strong and keeper Amy Larner bravely diving into the danger zone when required. She was that covered in mud by the end she resembled the chocolate man in the Lynx advert. City's domination got its rewards when Chelsey Faulkner fired home to make it 4-2. Caz Cropp came on before  the restart to make her season debut for the A team.

 

Good work from Popplewell helped Garside to grab her second and Bradford's 5th to complete the scoring. Another good result and a terrific squad performance. It had been a tricky week with the size of the squad and the way we stood firm together made the manager proud. Another great display at the back from Mel Cropp was just eclipsed by Claire Armitage who won the management team player of the match. 

 

 

Sunday 26 October, 2008

 

Bradford City 2 v Collingham Tadcaster 1

 

Melanie Garside     3, 30

 

Bradford City A team welcomed Collingham to Apperley Bridge with a pitch stickier than toffee pudding and wind which changed direction more often than a politician. City started brightly and in the early minutes got themselves a corner. Claire Popplewell swung the corner in from the right only for it to be beaten away by the defence. Popplewell pounced on the clearance to send it back in again and Mel Garside soared like an eagle to meet the ball with her head and, with the deadliness of that bird of prey, directed it into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance. City were on top for most of the first half hour creating many chances but just could not find their finishing boots. However, in the 30th minute Popplewell and Garside combined again and Garside finished to make it 2-0.

 

Collingham started to get back into the game causing work for the defence and goalie Amy Larner. One incident saw Larner having to dive bravely at the feet of the attacker, getting injured in the process but after expert treatment from coach Matt Daly she bravely carried on. City still looked the most likely to score after that, but went in at halftime still with a 2 goal advantage.

 

The second half continued in much the same vein as much of the first, with City creating chances but failing to score. Collingham gave City a scare with 15 minutes to go when they pulled one back. This brought a nervous edge to City’s game with one or two passes going astray. Still they threatened to score and the ball hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions but it didn’t seem to want to go in to make the win more comfortable. Credit must be given to Collingham for a battling display and they pushed City all the way, although City ended up 2-1 winners.

The management team player of the match was Melanie Cropp, who as all season, gave a fine display in central defence.

 
19th October 2008
 
White Rose 0 - 1 Bradford City
Melanie Garside 72
 

High Five!

 

Bradford City made it five wins in five and rose to the top of the  NEWRL Division 1 South with a hard fought win at Castleford White Rose. It was a game of high quality football from both sides but it was City that started the brighter. In the first fifteen minutes, City twice came close as Olivia Duxbury caused havoc on the left wing, linking well with Neely Murrell and Claire Armitage. After 17 minutes, Duxbury had to be substituted, suffering from a pulled back muscle, to be replaced by Jane Barber who moved to midfield and Claire Popplewell switched to left wing. Throughout the game Sarah Binns and Barber worked well together in what was a highly combative centre midfield.

 

 White Rose then came close to scoring when they hit the woodwork. City answered in kind when they too hit the woodwork 3 minutes later. On the half hour mark, City thought they had scored when Chelsey Faulkner calmly finished but she was adjudged to be offside. Both sides continued to play at a high standard, with the first half finishing goalless.

 

 The second half continued in the same vein with good passing from both teams and city just looking to be the side on top. As the second half wore on much of the game was played in midfield with fewer chances being created by  both teams. Melanie Garside came on as a  substitute making her season debut after being on the sidelines with a bad back injury. It was a game that deserved a special goal and not long after coming on Garside provided it. She found herself  some space and collected the ball thirty five yards from goal. Showing great technique Garside struck the ball sweetly and it soared into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance. 

 

Going 1 down with  18 minutes to go White Rose lifted their game another notch and created some chances. The City defence, who had been excellent throughout the game, rose to the challenge aided by debutant Amy Larner in nets. With 5 minutes remaining  a White Rose striker looked to be offside but the referee waved play on and the striker struck the ball fiercely and Larner showed fantastic reactions to keep the ball out.

 

The game ended 1 nil and a well deserved victory saw  City continue their excellent start t o the season. Amy Larners fine display earned her the management teams player of the match award.

 
 
 
 
 
12th October 2008
 
Bradford City A Team 5 - 3 Wetherby
Chelsey Faulkner 9, 68
Chloe Moore 10
Claire Pops 55
Laura Gadd 71
 

Bradford City A team welcomed Wetherby to Rawdon Meadows on a blisteringly warm day that for an October afternoon put any day this summer to shame. City started the game like the weather, hot! With Nicky Davies sidelined following an operation it was a new striking partnership with fellow youngster Chloe Moore joining Chelsey Faulkner up front. Within ten minutes the new pairing had bagged a goal each with cool finishes to make the score 2 -0  to the home side.

 

Wetherby responded well to this opening blitz and worked hard to get themselves back in the game. Their reward came on the 17 minute mark when a fine strike from Sarah Taylor reduced the deficit to one. There were chances at both ends but no more goals so the teams went in to the halftime break with the home team 2-1 the good.

 

City started the second half the brighter following an excellent half time talk from  coach Matt Daly and looked the most likely to score. It was the ever reliable Claire Popplewell who added to the score in the 55th minute with a fine strike from outside the penalty box. My fellow reporter Amy Larner described this succinctly as a  ‘peach’, cleverly emphasizing the A teams fondness for fruit.!

 

Wetherby responded only 3 minutes later when full back Katy McMaster fired home from a distance to once again reduce the home teams lead to only one goal. It was City’s turn to respond once again as they took control of the match and looked the team most likely to score. In the 68th minute ,Vicki Wood who throughout the game dominated midfield with a fine display, set Chelsey Faulkner free with a fine through ball and the young striker scored her second of the game to give Bradford a 4-2 lead. City were dominating proceedings and 2 minutes later they won a free kick 5 yards from the penalty box on the left hand side. Laura Gadd ran over to claim the free kick and showed why, with an excellent strike which gave the keeper no chance.

 

Taylor got her second and Wetherby’s 3rd in the dying minutes of the game and although it was a great strike it was little more than consolation as the game ended 5-3 to City. It had been a tough game in the heat and City effectively ended the game

with only  9 players due to injuries and cramp.  That last 5 brave minutes showed just what the A team is about, as they battled bravely to secure a well earned victory. The management teams player of the match went to Vicki Wood for her excellent display in mid field but special mention must go to Clare Armitage whose excellent display at left back closely challenged Wood for the award.

 
 
 

28th September 2008.

 

Beverley Town LFC 1-5 Bradford City 'A' Team    (L)

Nicky Davies 12, 33

Chelsey Faulkner 54

Becky Bostock 63

Claire Popplewell 70

Another convincing performance saw the A Team make it 3 out of three and maintain a good start to their season.

Both teams, newly promoted into the North East Regional Women’s League Division 1 South, played some attractive football in the opening stages of the game. City broke the deadlock in the 12th minute following the award of a free kick after Claire Pops was  bundled over on the ede of the box. Nicky Davies collected the ball and carefully placed it on the ground avoiding any divots (does this count as an assist Nicky?) before connecting with a sweet strike that beat the keeper. City began to stamp their authority on the game and increased the score just after the half hour mark when good work from Claire Pops found Nicky Davies who coolly found the back of the net to give City a 2-0 lead. The first half ended with the away team 2 to the good but it was only 3 minutes into the second half when Beverley brought themselves back into the game with a goal to make it 2-1 to the visitors. City have shown a steely determination this season and conceding a goal early in the second half could put some teams on the back foot but Bradford rose to the challenge. A delicate chip from Davies set Chelsey Faulkner free and she made no mistake with a good finish to give Bradford a 3-1 advantage. City continued to create most of the chances and Vicki Wood unselfishly set up Becky Bostock to fire home and make it 4-1 midway through the second half. In the 70th minute Bradford added to the score when Davies returned the compliment to Popplewell and a neat pass found Popplewell whose sweet strike found the back of the net and continued her scoring run. The impressive City defence never looked in danger in the last 20 minutes and the game ended with City 5-1 winners.

City keeper Lucy Green overcame the disappointment of last week’s unfortunate sending off with an impressive display and was part of a very solid Bradford defence.

The management team’s player of the match went to Nicky Davies whose hardwork resulted in two goals and many important passes that contributed to an all round impressive team performance from the Bradford side.

21st September 2008.

 

Bradford City 'A' Team  4-2  AFC Preston LFC (L)

 

Jayne Barber 15, 90

Claire Popplewell 58

Chelsey Faulkner 65

LESS MEANS MOORE!

A City side reduced to 10 players, following the sending off of their keeper Lucy Green, with more than an hour to play, fought bravely to win the match thanks to an outstanding team performance and the heroics of stand in keeper Chloe Moore.

The visitors AFC Preston started well and newly promoted City knew they had a game on their hands. Preston had pace up front and throughout the game played the ball behind the City defence for their forwards to run onto. They looked dangerous on several occasions but City looked dangerous when they attacked and it was the home team who opened the scoring. Good work led to the very busy Jayne Barber calmly finishing after 15 minutes to make the score 1 nil. This goal settled the home team and they began to dominate the game. In the 28th minute another Preston breakaway left their forward one on one with keeper Lucy Green. Green bravely dived at the striker's feet but the Preston player pushed the ball foward and Green brought the player down. It seemed to be a genuine attempt to go for the ball but the referee brandished a red card and City were reduced to 10 players. Preston scored from the resulting penalty to make the score 1-1.

Chloe Moore switched from defence to keeper, Becky Bostock from midfield to defence, Jayne Barber from attack to midfield, leaving Chelsey Faulkner as the lone striker. City coped well in this formation and more than matched Preston and the teams went into halftime level.

A good halftime teamtalk from coach Matt Daly saw City look the better side and play some excellent football. Claire Popplewll put the home team ahead just before the hour mark when a well judged shot squeezed in beteen post and keeper. City increased their lead to 3-1 when Faulkner ran onto an excellent ball and shot home. Preston continued to look dangerous on the break but it was the hard working City side that dominated the game. Faulkner was substituted to have a well earned rest. She had worked tirelessly as the lone forward and continued her great start to the season with an excellent display. Preston were still looking dangerous on the break and Moore in the City goal continued to thwart them with a comanding perfomance. With only 2 minutes to go Preston grabbed a 2nd when Moore was finaly beaten. City looked to kill off the game and tried to keep the ball in the corners. Popplewell was keeping the ball near one of the Preston corner flags when Barber made a run unmarked to the edge of the box, Popplewell played her in and with no options available she kept the ball, weaved through the Preston defence before firing home to ensure City a deserved victory. The referee blew his whistle seconds later and City ended the game 4-2 winners.

Two wins out of two is the perfect way to start a season but the manner of this victory was a credit to the whole team. It was a game when any player could have been given Player of the Match but the management team after much debate gave it to Chloe Moore for an excelent display at right back and then as keeper. Well done Chloe and well done team. That was A Team Performance.

Please note we omitted to name player of the match for last week's game against Wickersley. For her 4 goals but more importantly all round performance it was awarded to Claire Popplewell. Great performance Pops!

 

14th September 2008.

 

Bradford City 'A' Team  7-2  Wickersley LFC (L)

Chelsey Faulkner 3, 85

Claire Popplewell 10, 25, 74, 81

Chloe Moore 69

 

Bradford City A team opened up their campaign in the North East Regional Women’s League South division against Wickersley, who are based in Rotherham. A bright start from City was rewarded when good work from Nicki Davis resulted in a fine finish from Chelsey Faulkner. Claire Popplewell added to the scoring on ten minutes with one of her specials  rocketing into the net. Wickersley, shocked by this start, battled well and began to get more into the game. However it was City that made it 3-0 when another good left foot shot from Popplewell found the back of the goal. City began to look in control but did not add to the score line and the half finished with City 3-0 up.

 

The second half started with City still in control but round the hour mark Wickersley pulled two back in a 5 minute spell, with goals from Kathyrn Mudge and Laura Watton. This heralded a nervy period for the home side, but Chloe Moore making her league debut calmly finished from a corner to put City 4-2 up. Substitutes Jane Barber and Becky Bostock both made fine contributions and Bostock’s presence in midfield seemed to settle the City team and they began to dominate. A fine left foot cross from Barber found Popplewell who completed her hat trick. City and Popplewell were rampant now and she scored a fourth making it 6-2 to City. Chelsea Faulkner got her second goal and completed the scoring, and City ended the game 7-2 winners.

 

It was a more challenging game than the score line reflects, but all things considered it was a good performance from the Bradford side. Once again the team rallied together and showed even when things go wrong they have the strength and spirit to battle through to  earn a good result. We would like to give a big thank you to Wickersley for their friendliness and understanding of a few teething problems at the start of the Season.

 

The End

 

31st August 2008.

 

Lytham St Annes YMCA 2-9 Bradford City 'A' Team (F)

 

Becky Fickling             4

Claire Popplewell       11

Nicky Davies              19, 58, 80

Jayne Barber               21

Vicky Wood               27

Chloe Moore              47, 54

 

 

Its fun to play at the YMCA!  Bradford City A Team latest game was at the seaside at Lytham St Annes YMCA and we would just like to thank everyone there for being so friendly and looking after us so well.

 

The home team started the game brightly and came very close to scoring in the 2nd minute. Bradford responded strongly and good work from Nicky Davies found Becky Fickling whose excellent shot gave the keeper no chance. Claire Popplewell, obviously upset that someone else had the cheek to score first, found herself in possession, neatly worked her way into space and fired past the keeper to score a super goal. That 11th minute strike put City 2 up. Lytham were fighting well and creating chances but Davies increased the lead with a fine strike on the 19th minute. Only two minutes later City were awarded a free kick and a powerful effort from Becky Bostock was only parried and Jayne Barber showed her predator’s instincts to be on hand to score City’s 4th. City were piling on the pressure at this stage and forced a corner. Vicky Wood met the Davies corner with a powerful header giving the keeper no chance and making the score 5 nil to City. City made 2 substitutions at this stage giving A team debuts to Lucy Speake and Chloe Moore. The YMCA team continued to battle and forced their way back into the game. A well struck corner just before halftime found its way into the net and the teams went in at halftime with Bradford having a 5-1 lead.

 

City began the 2nd half strongly and a superb pass from the match day captain Claire Armitage switched from defence into attack. The ball sailed over the midfield and defence and was latched onto by Moore who calmly lobbed the keeper to make it 6-1 in the 47th minute. Good work from Popplewell resulted in Davies and Moore having a series of attempts at goal being bravely thwarted by the defence before Moore stuck the ball into the back of the net to make it 7-1. In the 58th a good corner from Moore found Wood whose header was blocked on the line only for Davies to be on hand to knock it in and make it 8-1. YMCA continued to play football and in the 62nd minute were awarded a penalty. It was a nicely taken penalty that gave keeper Steph Barraclough no chance and made the score 8-2 to the visitors. Davies completed a fine display with a hat trick when she bravely challenged for a pass from Popplewell and stuck the ball into the back of the net despite the challenges of a defender and the keeper.

 

The home team battled well and on a different day the score could have been closer but City were clinical in their finishing and for several spells showed their quality. The defence coped well against a lively attack and Tara Nolan played well as sweeper. The season is only a fortnight  away but the preparations for the new season are going well and we look forward to the challenges it presents.

 

28th August 2008.

 

Bradford City 'A' Team  4-2  Kirklees (F)

 

Claire Popplewell       19,

Olivia Duxbury           51

Chelsey Faulkner       78, 85

 

The first home friendly of the season saw old rivals Kirklees visit Rawdon Meadows on a grey August evening. The first half was a scrappy affair with both teams competing very well and chances at each end. City opened the scoring when a corner from Becky Fickling was flicked on towards the back post. Claire Popplewell collected the ball, beat the defender and poked it into the far corner of the net. 1-0 to City. It looked like this might have settled the Bradford side down and they enjoyed a good spell of possession but it was Kirklees that found the back of the net around the half hour mark and the teams went  in at half time level.

 

The second half saw a more controlled city side and Chelsey Faulkner again worked hard but her effort was matched by Jayne Barber who was partnering her in the City attack. A good Bradford move saw Faulkner lay the ball back to Popplewell who had made a run towards the corner flag.

A first time right footed cross picked out Olivia Duxbury who ‘rose like a Yorkshire pudding’ to head the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1 to the home side. Again City looked like they were in control and would go on to seal the game. A foul just inside the box resulted in a City penalty. Laura Gadd struck it well and the Kirklees Keeper made an excellent save.

 

Within 5 minutes a good move by Kirklees resulted in an equalising goal to make the score 2 each. The City midfield of Sarah Binns and Vicky Wood battled well to keep Bradford on top and look the team most likely to score. A mazy run by Wood which saw her weave through several desperate challenges and pick a fine pass to Falkner who calmly slotted the ball home. 3-2 to City. This time City did build on their advantage and fine work by Becky Bostock in the Kirklees penalty box ended with a crisp pass to the far post to Faulkner who calmly found the back of the net to score her second. This made the score 4-2 to the home side and was how the game ended.

 

It was a scrappy performance at times and City yet again saved their better football for the second half. What the game did show is that Bradford are a team with heart and a determination to win and it is a spirit that will help us in the coming season.       

 

 
 

17th August 2008

 

Preston North End Reserves 4-3 Bradford City 'A' Team (F)

 

Claire Popplewell       50, 81

Nicky Davies              86

 

Bradford City A Team continued their pre-season build up with a match away to Preston North End Reserves at the impressive Preston Sports Arena. Preston play in the same league as the likes of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton reserves so it was always going to be a stiff test for the Bradford side. The game started at a fast pace and Preston got the best of the early exchanges posing a threat with some fast attacking football. City battled well to combat this but Preston scored from one of those breaks on the 10 minute mark. City were getting more and more into the game but again Preston scored with a fine strike from 25 yards in the 22nd minute. City were 2 down but increasingly threatening to get a goal themselves. As the game approached half team City had several chances but somehow the Preston goal remained unbreached and the teams went into the halftime break with Preston leading 2 nil.

 

The second half began as the first half ended with City dominating play and creating chances. Their bright play was rewarded when a fine shot from Chelsey Faulkner was only parried by the keeper and Claire Popplewell was on hand to steer it into the net. City pressed for the equaliser but on the hour mark Preston again broke away and made it 3-1. Again City played most of the game in the opponents half and threatened to score on several occasions only for Preston to race down the other end and score to make it 4-1 with 15 minutes to go. Many teams heads would have gone down at this point but not the A team who continued to dominate playing some splendid football.

 

As the game entered the last 10 minutes Nicky Davies won the ball in midfield with a strong tackle. The ball came to Becky Bostock who made a strong run and with an inch perfect pass found Popplewell who had made an intelligent run inside. Popplewell took the ball in her stride and hit it first time from the edge of the area with a shot that soared over the keeper to score a great goal that was the least City deserved. 4-2 to Preston. City began to force a series of corners putting enormous pressure on the Preston defence. Becky Fickling who was taking them from the right delivered some excellent corners, one headed by Vicky Wood just sailing over the bar. The defenders Hannah Wardman and Clare Armitage were coming up for the set pieces and their presence looked a dangerous threat. The pressure resulted in a free kick near the dead ball line 5 yards outside the penalty box. Popplewell took the free kick picking out Nicky Davies at the back post who was waving her arms about like an air traffic controller. Davies met the ball with a brave stooping half diving header that found the back of the net. The last 5 minutes was constant City pressure as thy strove to get the deserved equaliser but to no avail and the game ended 4-3 to Preston.

 

The partnership of Faulkner and Davies was again full of promise and the youngster, Faulkner gave a very mature and brave display against some very robust defending. The midfield had more balance when Wood moved there from defence and Armitage and Erin Rosenberg warmed to their relatively new positions throughout the second half giving excellent displays. Lucy Green made some good saves and her kicking was good as well. It was an exciting game to watch and a game from which City will learn a lot. There are many new faces so at this stage of the season it was an excellent performance. As a team we will defend better as the season progresses but it was a brave and gutsy performance and in the second half City played some excellent football.

Wood heads clear
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nicky stoops to conquer
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17th August 2008

 

Collingham Tadcaster LFC   3-8 Bradford City 'A' Team (F)

 

Claire Popplewell       2

Sarah Binns                2

Nicky Davies             3

Chelsey Faulkner       1

 

Bradford City A Team began their preparation for the new season with a friendly away to  Collingham Tadcaster LFC.

 

It was a very promising performance for the first game of the season with the new players blending in well. Lucy Green made her senior debut sharing goal keeper duty with Amy Larner. Laura Gadd, Hannah Wardman, Erin Rosenberg and Claire Armitage began in defence. The midfield consisted of Becky Bostock, Vicky Wood, Sarah Binns and Clare Popplewell with Chelsey Faulkner upfront and Nicky Davies playing just behind her. Alice Rogan was the sub and came on at the half hour mark to play on the right wing.

 

The first half consisted of City playing quite well and scoring only to concede a goal on the break . This happened on three occasions so the teams found themselves 3-3 at halftime. Wood switched to sweeper and her experience calmed down the defence who looked very solid in the second half. This solid platform allowed the midfield to take charge with Binns and Bostock working hard in midfield with good support from the wings.

 

The pairing of Faulkner and Davies  worked extremely well , with Davies getting a hat trick and Faulkner’s hard work rewarded by a goal which was celebrated as much by Davies as the goal scorer.

 

On  Monday City‘s promotion to the NERWFL Division 1 South was confirmed. This is great news for the team and a just reward for last season’s effort. The result and performance on Sunday were good but it is only a very small step on what should be a challenging but enjoyable season.

 

'A' Team Match Stats and Results 2007/08

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5th May 2008

 

                   LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Leeds City Vixens   0-2    Bradford City 'A' Team 

                                         Clare Fawcett (76,88)

Bradford City retained their 100% record for the season but only after an epic Cup Final encounter with rivals Leeds City Vixens

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Leeds were first out of the blocks and the Bradford defence needed to be at their best to keep the Vixens at bay but City finally began to make their way into the game and almost took the lead on the half hour but the woodwork came to the Vixens rescue and an outstanding save from the Vixens keeper from point blank range and the game remained without a goal at the half time break.

 

 

 

The second half produced plenty of end to end action to keep the supporters on their toes and the game could have gone either way but it was Bradford who eventually made the breakthrough when Claire Fawcett stayed cool to place the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

 

 

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The Vixens tried everything possible to get back on level terms but the City defence and the hard working midfield dominated and in the last 5 minutes Clare Fawcett nailed it for City and the Vixens heads dropped. A highly entertaining game throughout but when Fawcett doubled City's lead they knew they had achieved the double. Congratulations Girls!

 

 

 

 

 

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20th April 2008

 

Leeds city Vixens   1-3    Bradford City 'A' Team   (L)

OG (60)                             Clare Fawcett (7)

                                         Mel Garside (52)

                                         Olivia Duxbury (79)

 

City travelled to Leeds City Vixens for the final league match knowing that victory would put them in the record books with a 100% record. It was always going to be a tough task against second place Vixens but a determined City stamped their authority from the off  and got the better of the early exchanges. There was a steely determination throughout the side and in the seventh minute they were rewarded with a goal after good work down the right flank. This resulted in Claire Popplewell receiving the ball in the box and a good pass found Clare Fawcett who calmly steered the ball home. The half wore on with City having more possession and chances but Vixens looking dangerous when they attacked. Keeper Jess Mallison and the defence looked solid and reacted well when Vixens threatened. There were no further goals and the teams finished the half with City one to the good.

 

Vixens started the half brightly but City worked hard and after five minutes of the half began to get on top again. In the 52nd minute Mel Garside picked the ball up 7 yards in from the touch line and at least 30 yards from goal and unleashed a shot which sent the ball just off the ground through the Vixens defence like a guided missile and into the bottom left hand corner of the net. One of the best goals this correspondent had ever seen,  better than some sensational ones seen at the home of football, Turf Moor. 2-0 to Bradford City.

 

City were well on top and should have coasted from here but on the hour mark a Vixens corner resulted in  a  goal to the home team making the score 2-1 to the visitors.. Danielle Domanski, who kept us entertained all afternoon including a couple of sensational dance moves when she allegedly had cramp, had nothing to do with it, apparently.  Jayne Barber came on for Hannah Wardman as City changed to a back three. This seemed to settle City down and once more they imposed themselves on the game and looked the better side. Their good work was rewarded with an excellent goal from Olivia Duxbury in the 79th minute. The two goal lead restored, confidence oozed through the team and they were unlucky not to get a fourth when a Garside strike was ruled offside even though it seemed the referee had originally waved play on.

 

The final whistle went with City 3-1 victors and sitting proudly on top of the table with a 100% record. Well done girls. Well done Steve. What a season. I am so proud of you, I think if I’m honest, Burnley might only be my second favourite team!  

 

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13th April 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team  8-2  Morley Spurs (L)

 

Melanie Garside (6, 9, 11, 18)              

Claire Popplewell (23)

Laura Gadd (61)

Clare Fawcett (75, 82)

 

The final home game of the season for league champions Bradford City was against Morley Spurs. City looked lively from the off and within twenty minutes enjoyed a 4-0 lead with all of the goals being netted by Mel Garside. The first was a breakaway and a cool finish in the 6th minute. A spectacular overhead kick gave Garside her second in the 9th minute. The third was a good example of the fine football City were playing. A measured clearance from keeper Jules Jeffries found Claire Fawcett on the right wing. Her fine pass found Garside who had her first shot blocked by the keeper but a neat chip converted the chance. It was some more good work from Fawcett that led to Garside’s 4th goal. Another clinical finish from the City striker and Bradford were 4-0 up in the 18th minute.

 

City were full of invention and a nicely worked short corner from Neely Murrell and Fawcett picked out Nicky Davies whose shot looked to be going wide only for Claire Popplewell to launch herself towards the ball and a tremendous diving header thumped the ball into the back of the net. 5-0 after 23 minutes. Morley fought bravely throughout and were rewarded with a goal in the 26th minute to make it 5-1.

 

 

The second half started with City making two changes due to illness with Garside and Murrell being replaced by Louise Lindley and Olivia Duxbury respectively. As the half wore on City looked the most likely of the two sides to score as the half progressed. City made another change early in the half when Jayne Barber replaced Davies. City  were awarded a free kick and from at least 25 yards Laura Gadd found the top right hand corner of the goal with a superb strike to make it 6-1.  Clare Fawcett followed up her first half  assists with two excellent goals herself  in the 75th and 82nd minute. In between that brace City were awarded a penalty when Jayne Barber was pulled down in the box only for an excellent save to deny Hannah Wardman a goal. Also before Fawcett’s second Morley pulled another back and the game ended with an 8-2 win to the home side.

 

Another strong performance from Bradford City and another game which shows the strength of the squad with all 14 players involved and contributing well. Thanks to Stephanie Barraclough who acted as substitute keeper as Jeffries was carrying an injury.

 

 

6th April 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team  3-1  Lepton Highlanders  (F)

Clare Fawcett (23,78, 84)

 

With 16 players on hand for this friendly it was always going to be difficult to settle and play good football. Although there were only a few good passages of play, overall the management were very happy with the players. Thankfully Clare Fawcett had her goal scoring boots on and secured a win with an excellent hat-trick. Next week City take on Morley at home.

30th March 2008

 

Leeds City Vixens    P-P    Bradford City 'A' Team  (L)

 

water logged pitch apparentely!

 

No Report

23rd March 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team       3-1       Bradford PA (Valley Parade Torn)

Nicky Davies                         

Emmie Kinnear

Neely Murrell

 

City won 3-1 on penalties after grinding out a 0-0 result with 10 players for half the match.

16th March 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team       3-1       Bradford PA (semi-final)

Melanie Garside (43)                           Kelsey Byrne (50)

Clare Fawcett (70)

Emmie Kinnear (79)

 

A good crowd watched the first competitive meeting of local rivals, Bradford City and Bradford Park Avenue in the semi final of the West Riding Girls League Open Age Cup. It was a blood and thunder affair with the away side having a game plan of filling the middle field and taking the game to City. An experienced City side coped well and showed good composure when required. An even first half but with the clear cut chances going to the home team, it looked liked the sides would go in at halftime level. In recent games Neely Murrell and Mel Garside have been developing an excellent partnership and it was these two that broke the deadlock. Good work from Murrell freed Garside who found the back of the net to make it 1-0 with only two minutes left of the half.

 

 

The second half started with City looking to impose themselves but the visitors were having none of it and an excellent strike from Kelsey Byrne in the 50th minute levelled the scores. City had to make changes due to illness and injuries with Captain Jess Pearson, Garside and Murrell being replaced by Danielle Domanski, Emmie Kinnear and Olivia Duxbury respectively. As the half wore on City began to play better and better football and always looked the most likely of the two sides to score. It was Clare Fawcett who put the home team back into the lead in the 70th minute when she showed great composure in the penalty box before firing home.

 

 

Emmie Kinnear put the tie beyond doubt for the home team making it 3-1 in the 79th minute with a super strike showing what a quality forward this young lady is. Talking of young ladies Hannah Wardman had another excellent game in the centre of defence and is in a fine vein of form. Well done to Bradford Park Avenue who battled all the way but it is City that go through to the final where they will meet Leeds City Vixens. It will be the 4th game (ko time to be determined) on Monday the 5th May at Ossett Town FC. Mel G that’s Monday the 5th of May. OK? The U14’s and 16’s also won their semi final’s and  are also through to the finals at Ossett. The U14’s are game 2 on Sunday the 4th and the 16’s are the second game on Monday the 5th. Three teams in the finals is a great achievement for the Club so get the dates in your diary and let’s  get behind our teams.

 

9th March 2008

 

Lepton Highlanders    0-3    Bradford City 'A' Team  (L)

                                            Claire Pops, (1)

                                            Melanie Garside, (4)

                                            Neely Murrell, (60)

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Bradford City A Team made a perfect start to their crucial away game at Lepton Highlanders taking a two goal lead within the first five minutes. In a game where victory would secure the West Riding County Premier League City imposed themselves from the start. Lepton kicked off but City were soon in possession when Laura Gadd won the ball and found Neely Murrell  who passed it to Melanie Garside who knocked it on to Claire Fawcett whose shot was blocked. Claire Popplewell pounced on the loose ball and found the back of the net from a narrow angle. Excellent football from City rewarded by an opening goal in only 22 seconds. Popplewell who had failed to score in our last competitive game against Pontefract, ending a run of scoring in 6 consecutive games, was wasting no time getting her name back on the score sheet.

 

City showed their class in the opening minutes dominating proceedings. Murrell picked up the ball in midfield and chipped it over the defence for Garside to race onto and calmly slot the ball past  the keeper into the back of the net. 2-0 to City with only four minutes gone. The pitch at Lepton has a difficult slope from side to side, but Bradford adapted very well and continued to dominate for the first 25 minutes. The rest of the half was a little more ragged but it was City who looked the most likely to score and the teams went in at halftime with the Bradford side 2 to the good.

 

  

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Neely Murrell

Hannah Wardman, our very own Action Woman was again having an excellent game in the centre of defence. A typically brave, hard but fair, tackle resulted in a lengthy stoppage as she and the Lepton forward needed treatment. Lepton exerted some pressure but the Bradford goal was rarely threatened and the away side continued to look the more likely to score. On the hour mark Garside found herself one on one with the keeper but her shot was saved outside the area. The referee had no choice under the rules of the game and sent the keeper off. Murrell, who was having an excellent game, took the free kick and brilliantly curved it into the top left hand corner of the net..

 

A brave 10 woman Lepton kept battling away but City were now in control of the game and should have added to their score. The three subs, Erin Rosenberg, Jayne Barber and Emmie Kinnear all made appearances and showed the depth of the City squad all making good contributions. The final whistle went to be greeted by a huge roar from the City contingent and some emotional scenes of celebration. The title won with their 100% record still intact. It has been a squad effort and credit goes to the whole team not only the 14 that played today. One of those players was Olivia Duxbury who had a suspected burst appendix. Reports are that thankfully it was not quite as bad as that but she was very poorly with a bad viral infection. We all wish her a speedy recovery. Also unavailable was Lou Lindley who injured herself in training and watched the match on crutches. Hope you are soon back with us Lou.

City’s attentions now turn to the Cup where they meet  an ever improving Bradford Park Avenue in the semi final’s on Sunday at Rawdon Meadows.

2nd March 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team       0-3       White Rose (L)

 

No report this week.

24th February 2008

 

Bradford City 'A' Team       5-0       Ponefract SSC (C)

Melanie Garside (9,16, 83)

Neely Murrell (53)

Kelly Brown (76)

 

Second division Pontefract visited Bradford City WFC A Team in the quarter finals of the WRGFL Open Age Cup and despite the score line gave an excellent performance and fully tested the home team. Pontefract could have gone ahead as early as the 6th minute when a corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble but City defended bravely and managed to get the ball away. City had a corner themselves in the 9th minute and it was nicely delivered by Nicky Davies and met by a header from Mel Garside. The keeper had looked as if she saved it but despite her efforts it crossed the line and City led 1-0.

 

The game continued to be end to end but it was City who increased their lead in the 16th minute with a quality left strike from Garside. Despite the 2-0 score line Pontefract were having as much, if not more, of the game as City and in the 35th minute were unlucky not to score when in another goalmouth scramble they hit the bar.

 

The second half began with no personnel changes for City but the first half switch of Erin Rosenberg to playing in front of the defence was beginning to bear fruit and they looked more comfortable. A mistake in the Pontefract defence gave an opportunity to Neely Murrell which converted with an accomplished finish to make it 3-0. Hannah Wardman, who after an incident in the first half is considering a career in wrestling, came off after an injury and was replaced by Emmie Kinnear.

 

Jessica Gibbons who had another strong game at full back gave way to Kelly Brown who slotted into midfield as City went to three at the back. Pontefract kept playing well but it was an uphill struggle for them at 3-0. Danielle Domanski came on as left back as City made their final change and reverted to a back four. Kelly Brown in only her second game for City scored her second goal when she beat the offside trap and scored with confidence. In the 83rd minute City made it 5-0 when Garside completed her hat trick after a great pass from Murrell was converted with a calm finish as Garside took the ball round the keeper and slotted it into the net.

 

The game ended 5-0 to City but Pontefract can be proud of their performance which was not only brave but showed plenty of skill. It was a game where City had to dig deep and the defence worked very hard, among them Laura Gadd who had a very good game. Kim Kaye kept a clean sheet in her final performance for the A Team as she moves to pastures new. We wish her all the best for the future.

 

10th February 2008

 

Kirklees Ladies FC                     2-3            Bradford City 'A' Team (L)

 

Dawn ‘Barbie’ McMahon (26)                       Kelly Brown (15)

Emma Fawcett (88)                                         Claire Popplewell (22)

                                                                     Melanie Garside (85)

 

On a beautiful spring like day City travelled to Kirklees hoping to maintain their impressive run and strong push for the Premiership title. As the players gathered it became apparent that the kit plus Nicky Davies hadn’t arrived and soon the ever reliable Claire Popplewell was on the phone. Feeling like we were in an episode of Last of the Summer wine it transpired that Nicky had brought ‘tea making facilities’ but had no milk and was scouring West Yorkshire for a drop of the white stuff. I had visions of a lone figure on a motor bike armed only with a large bucket scooting up the hills of Yorkshire in the search for cattle. Five minutes later the kit arrived and we relaxed a little.

 

With call ups to the first team for Jess Pearson and Erin Rosenberg,  several absences through injuries etc. and three of our players still kangaroo racing down under, the starting line up had five different players from last week’s starting line-up. We were pleased to welcome Jess Gibbons from the first team, Kim Kaye, Melanie Cropp, Neely Murrell and debutant Kelly Brown to the starting eleven. On the bench alongside Jayne Barber and Sarah Welsh it was good to see ex City player Melanie Garside back in the fold.

 

The game started brightly with both teams contributing to the action and City began to settle after about the ten minute mark and began to get  a grip on the game. In the 15th minute a well placed free kick from Nicky Davies was cleverly steered into the net by Kelly Brown. It was a great way to start her A team career and followed the promising start she had made to the game.

 

Kirklees responded almost immediately and had a good chance for an immediate reply but failed to take their chance. Jess Gibbons playing at right back was keen to go forward at every opportunity and in the 18th minute a powerful run ended with a good pass to Pops who narrowly fired over the bar. City began to get on top again and in the 20th minute a Neely Murrell shot was blocked and the rebound was picked up by Emmie Kinnear. Her  excellent shot looked a certain goal until the Kirklees keeper made a great  save.

 

Kim Kaye, who was playing on the right wing,  was linking well with Gibbons and covering when required. Kaye won the ball in defence and then made an excellent run to the other end of the field where a good pass found Pops (who simply refuses to be left off the score sheet) and the ball found the back of the net with an excellent shot. No doubt Steve thought it was too near the keeper but Aidan didn’t care. As long as it goes in it’s good enough for him!

 

That made it 2-0 to City  but the home team were detemined not to let Bradford have it all their own way and had a good spell of pressure which resulted in a corner. It was excellently delivered from the left and was met confidently by Dawn ‘Barbie’ McMahon to narrow the score to 2-1. The goal seemed to knock City out of their stride and it was a very even contest until halftime, but with no further goals it remained 2-1 to City.

 

There were no changes made at halftime and the game remained quite even but with City looking the more likely to score. In the 58th minute a scramble in the City area resulted in keeper Stephanie Barraclough lying on the edge of the six yard box following a kick to the head. After a couple of minutes treatment from Steve she seemed bright enough. She answered a couple of the usual questions (how many fingers etc) and when asked who was the best team in the world she answered Bradford City WFC A Team. Even Burnley fan Aidan couldn’t argue with that. However with in a minute she suffered some more reaction to the blow and it was clear that she was not right. Luckily for City Kim Kaye is an experienced keeper and she went in nets with Jayne Barber replacing Kaye on the right.

 

Five minutes later in the 65th minute City made another change with Melanie Garside replacing the tiring Brown. It was Kelly’s first game for 3 months but she had to be pleased with her performance which showed plenty of promise.

 

City were creating the better of the chances with Kinnear playing behind the front two of Murrell and Garside, and ably supported by the midfield Bradford created some good chances. However with the closeness of the game they showed signs of nerves at times and they looked to have sealed the game when a mistake in the Kirklees defence was seized on by Garside to fire home into the top left corner and make it 3-1 to City.

 

A brave Kirklees were having none of it and pushed forward looking to get back in the game. With only two minutes left a clearance in the City defence hit another defender and Emma Fawcett made the most of the opportunity to make it 3-2 . It was a nervous end to thee game but City showed a determined quality and ended the game in the Kirklees half.

 

The result made it eleven wins out of eleven and all fourteen players could be proud of the part they had played in a performance which showed great character. City were at times a little nervous but there were some excellent phases to their play and there were a lot of promising aspects to the game.

 

Steph came round and seemed much better by the end of the match and we hope she is recovering well. According to my sources Nicky Davies is hoping to apply for a job in Betty’s Tea Rooms. We shall see what the future holds. Does anyone know if the jockeys in kangaroo racing sit on their backs or get in the pouches? On the football front City’s next competitive game is in the quarter final of the cup when we welcome Pontrefact to Rawdon Meadows in a fortnights time.

 

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3rd February 2008

 

Silsden LFC  1-4  Bradford City 'A' Team   (L)

                            Claire Popplewell (34)

                            Olivia Duxbury (44)

                            Neely Murrell (61,80)

 

City travelled to Silsden for their first league game since the 11th November and in a game delayed by over 30 minutes due to pitch problems, it was no surprise that it took 10 minutes for league leaders Bradford to settle down. Julia Jeffries playing centre back alongside Hannah Wardman showed quality throughout the game, but particularly in the early exchanges she made several important tackles and clearances and stamped her authority on the game. Despite playing against a strong wind in the first half City began to get on top and Claire Popplewell threatened to score on a couple of occasions.

 

After 25 minutes Silsden broke away and Jeffries appeared to make another excellent sliding tackle as she won the ball, nudging the ball back towards the keeper, but the referee gave a free kick on the edge of the area. It was an excellent effort from the Silsden player and looked certain to fly into the top corner of the net but Stephanie Barraclough in goals made a fine leap and with a strong hand pushed the ball over the crossbar for a corner.  In the 34th minute Popplewell broke the deadlock with a good shot that beat the Silsden keeper. City were now in charge and Emmie Kinnear was unlucky not to score when a fine shot hit the post and a good effort from the rebound was saved by the keeper. City  were soon on the attack again and Jayne Barber saw a cleverly steered shot slide the wrong side of the post.

 

As halftime approached Kinnear won the ball in midfield and made a precision pass to left winger Olivia Duxbury who latched onto the ball and steered it past the keeper. City went into the break 2 up and in the conditions had to be satisfied with their performance.

 

Neely Murrell came on up front for the hardworking Barber and City continued to create most of the chances. The versatile Erin Rosenberg, who was playing in midfield alongside Nicky Davies, made a good pass and a combination of that and a good run from Neely Murrell saw City break the offside trap.  Murrell latched onto the ball and drove into the penalty area and pushed the ball to her left before placing an excellent shot into the far corner past a despairing keeper to increase the lead to 3 -0 after 61 minutes.

 

In the 64th minute Silsden pulled a goal back with a fine finish to make the score 3-1 to the visitors. There was no panic from Bradford and a solid and hardworking performance was rewarded in the 80th minute when Murrell picked up the ball on the right wing and fired a ball towards the far post where Duxbury was waiting, only to see the ball deceive the keeper and sail into the net.

 

City ended the game deserved 4-1 winners and given the cold and blustery conditions and a heavy pitch it was a good performance for a team that had not had a competitive game for nearly three months.  

27th January 2008
 

Silsden LFC  P-P  Bradford City 'A' Team   (L)

 
 
 
13th January 2008
 

Bradford City 'A' Team   P-P  Morley Ladies (L)

 16th December 2007
 

Lepton Highlanders LFC   P-P   Bradford City 'A' Team (L)

9th December 2007
 

Leeds City Vixens   P-P   Bradford City 'A' Team (L)

 
 
 
 2nd November 2007

 

Kirklee's    P-P   Bradford City 'A' Team (L)

18th November 2007

 

Bradford City 'A' Team    8-1   Bradford Park Avenue (F)

Dani Domanski (42)

Jayne Barber (44)

Louise Lindley (48, 75)

Vicki Wood (54)

Charlotte Stuart (63, 86)

Claire Popplewell (83)

 

 

The long and winding road of a football season found us in mid November welcoming Bradford Park Avenue to Rawdon Meadows for a friendly. On a soggy day Rawdon Meadows was closer to an octopus’s garden than a sporting arena. Bradford City were able to give a start to Jayne Barber, Neely Murrell and Charlotte Stuart who for varying reasons have not had a game for several weeks.

 

Neither team got any help from the conditions and both teams battled well and the first half was fairly even, although City created most of the chances. Dani Domanski, who was here there and everywhere, broke the deadlock with a rocket to open the scoring for City in the 42nd minute. Things were now getting better for City and Jayne Barber got a deserved goal two minutes later and the sides went into the halftime break with City two up.

 

Being a friendly the management team were able to make changes at halftime with Nicky Davies, Olivia Duxbury, Clare Fawcett and Vicki Wood replacing Jayne Barber, Emmie Kinnear, Neely Murrell and Erin Rosenberg. The ball often behaved more like a glass onion than a football but, despite a hard days night the night before, Lou Lindley made light of the conditions with a superb strike to add to City’s lead early in the second half. City’s midfield worked hard and were able to get back and support the defence when Avenue attacked on the break.

 

City continued to dominate and the goals continued to fly in. There’s always something special about a Vicki Wood goal (well you don’t get many to the pound) and she made it 4 nil to City in the 54th minute. Charlotte Stuart who had a promising game after a bad injury made it 5 in the 63rd minute.

 

Lindley scored her second goal in the 75th minute to make it half a dozen to City. A hardworking Avenue pulled back a goal through ex City player Leanne Benjamin in the 81st minute. As the rain continued to fall Claire Popplewell added to her season’s tally, scoring in yet another match to make it 7-1. Charlotte Stuart completed the scoring in the 86th minute with the game finishing at 8-1 to City.”

 

Both teams did well in difficult conditions and it was a good work out for City who don’t have a game for a fortnight. Avenue were excellently marshalled by Amy Larner whose only moment of doubt was when Wood sought to calm things down at one point. Afterwards she told us “It was likes somebody’s mum had come onto the pitch. I thought I would have to call her Mrs Wood” Thanks to our friends at Avenue for the game and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

 

 

11th November 2007

 

Bradford City 'A' Team    3-0   Collingham Ladies FC (L)

 

Nicky Davies (41)

Claire Popplewell (45)

Laura Gadd (54)

 

Visitors Collingham Ladies fresh from their first victory of the season against Silsden last week came to Rawdon Meadows, home of top of the table Bradford City A team, hoping to continue their improved run of form. Collingham made their intentions clear from the start, playing one up front and packing the midfield. City created most of the chances and the Collingham keeper looked in fine form pulling off a couple of excellent saves when a goal looked certain.

 

Bradford City showed their quality in the 41st minute when a fine ball from Clare Fawcett  beat the offside trap and Nicky Davies calmly took her time in the penalty area to score with a good finish. The goal galvanised belief in the home team and they finished the half strongly. Lou Lindley had a good shot turned onto the post by the Collingham keeper making another excellent save. In the second minute of injury time City  put themselves further in front when more good work from Lindley resulted in a Collingham tackle knocking the ball to Claire Popplewell who calmly finished making it 2-0 to City at halftime.

 

Stephanie Barraclough replaced Kim Kaye in nets to make her debut for City. Kaye and Lindley who made way for Melanie Cropp could both feel unfortunate to be substituted after good performances but the changes did not reflect on them but the size and quality of the A team squad.

 

City changed to a 4-3-3 formation and Gadd who had been pushed up front collected a cross from Olivia Duxbury in the 54th minute and confidently slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0.

 

In the 65th minute Erin Rosenberg was replaced by Hannah Wardman in a straight swap in defence and another example of the strength of the squad with one fine player replacing another.(That’s £5 each girls) City continued to have most of the ball and chances but a hard working Collingham had a strong part to play in the game and gave a performance which belied their position in the league.

 

City had to play the final ten minutes with 10 players when Davies fell awkwardly and had to leave the field of play with a suspected broken hand. City saw out the last ten minutes with assured confidence to win 3 nil and cement their place at the top of the table.

 

Nicky Davies has broken a small bone in her hand and we all wish her a speedy recovery..

4th November 2007

 

Bradford City 'A' Team    9-0   Huddersfield Town Reserves  (L)

 

Clare Fawcett (12)

Claire Pops (51, 54)

Nicky Davies (58)

Emmie Kinnear (70, 84, 90, 91)

Olivia Duxbury (88)

 

It was a return to league action for City after their win in the cup last week and they welcomed 5th placed Huddersfield town to Rawdon Meadows. City had to make changes with Mel Cropp unavailable due to work commitments and Jess Pearson being called into the first team squad. This was reflected in a shaky start with Huddersfield having the best of the early exchanges and dominating play without threatening to score for the first 10 minutes. City soon settled after this, probably helped by scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute. Vicki Wood collected the ball in midfield and lobbed the ball over the Huddersfield defence for Claire Fawcett who chased onto the ball and took it round the keeper to score.

 

City came more and more into the game and should have scored on several occasions. There was some very good simple passing and movement but too often City resorted to ambitious balls rather than the easy one which at times resulted in giving possession back to the opposition. The much changed City defence grew in confidence as the half wore on and worked well as a unit. They were ably supported by keeper Kim Kaye who bravely smothered the ball on a couple of occasions when the Huddersfield forwards broke through. City looked the most likely to score but the teams went in at halftime with City holding onto a slim 1 nil lead.

 

No changes were made to personnel at halftime but it was a different City in attitude and style as they dominated play from the first kick of the half. Building on the promise of the first half the passing was swift and calculated in all areas of the pitch including the defence who looked confident and assured beginning several attacks from the back with good passing and link up play. The good football was rewarded as early as the 6th minute of the half when Fawcett switched play and found Wood on the right side of midfield. A superb ball found Claire Popplewell whose well timed run beat the offside trap and she scored with a cool finish to make it 2-0 to City.

 

 The team was buzzing now and only 3 minutes later Nicky Davies neatly tucked a pass over the Huddersfield defence for Popplewell to receive the pass on the dead ball line. Popplewell fired it towards goal and the keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it crossing the line and making it 3-0.

 

In the 58th minute it was Davies’s turn to get on the score sheet when she weaved her wave through the defence and bravely stabbed the ball into the back of the net despite being hurt in the process. 4-0 to City.

 

Hannah Wardman, who was carrying an injury from the first half was substituted to be replaced by Emmie Kinnear. Wood went into defence and Fawcett into midfield and Kinnear joined Lou Lindley up front.

 

Kinnear was soon causing problems for the Huddersfield defence and in the 70th minute was found by Fawcett and a clinical finish saw the ball hit the post and into the net. 5-0 to City.

 

The football from City continued to be of a high standard and the sixth goal in the 84th was a fine example of this. A neat interchange of passes between Domanski and Fawcett ended with a pass to Lindley who found her partner Kinnear who scored, again after hitting the post.

 

 In the 88th minute Olivia Duxbury made it 7 with a typically impressive finish. Kinnear got her hat trick in the 90th minute with a solo run (described as snake like by the City bench) and a cool finish that again ended in the back of the net courtesy of the post. City and Kinnear in particular were not finished yet and in injury time made it 9-0 to City and 4 for herself with a goal almost identical to her third including it striking the post on it’s way in.

 

This result makes it 8 wins out of 8 in the league for top of the table City but it was a performance that every player could be proud of. The new look defence of Domanski, Wardman, Erin Rosenberg, Laura Gadd (and Wood in the second half) looked like they’d been playing together for years.  Everyone did their job and their response at halftime to the team talk showed what a good unit the A team are this season.

 

 

28th October 2007

 

Bradford City 'A' Team    5-0   Heyside  (L/Cup)

Clare Fawcett (12, 30, 68)

Claire Popplewell (17)

Olivia Duxbury (23)

 

Second division Heyside came to Rawdon Meadows, the home of Bradford City WFC A Team for the 1st round of the WRGFL Open Age Cup. The away team set out their stall from the off and it became apparent that they were going to use the off side trap in an attempt to frustrate City and played a high line. In the early exchanges the home team were caught offside several times but twice Lou Lindley managed to outsmart the defence and forced the keeper to make saves. Lindley continued to threaten the Heyside goal and in the 9th minute hit the post and the ball was cleared away by the defence.

 

Lindley was involved in the opening goal for City with an intelligent pass finding Clare Fawcett who calmly finished. City were now very much in the ascendancy and Olivia Duxbury began to get more and more into the game. In the 17th a good run and shot from Duxbury was only parried by the keeper and Claire Popplewell latched onto the ball and smashed it into the net extending City’s lead to 2-0.

 

The good spell of pressure by City continued and in the 23rd minute they forced a corner. Popplewell took the corner and the ball evaded the bodies in the packed goalmouth and bounced on the edge of the 6 yard box. Duxbury anticipated the path of the ball cleverly and met it with a lobbed header which cleared the keeper and a defender to find the back of the net. 3-0 to City.

 

It was still all City and in the 30th minute Fawcett picked up the ball midway in Heyside’s half and scored following a good run and shot to make it 4-0. For the remainder of the half City were still largely in control but the defence had to be alert on a couple of occasions and Jess Mallison in nets did well to clear her lines when Heyside played a good ball behind the City defence.

 

Halftime came with the score still 4-0 to City. With the home team looking very comfortable they made changes bringing on Danni Domanski and Emmie Kinnear for Laura Gadd and Lou Lindley. Heyside came out much stronger in the second half and a more adventurous formation saw them enjoy more of the ball then they had in the first half. Their substitutions worked well and Heyside had more attacking options but the City defence coped well  Kinnear got involved well and created a couple of good chances. In the 68th minute City broke the second half deadlock when Fawcett completed her hat trick with a goal reminiscent of her second with a good shot and run.

 

Nicky Davies made way for Hannah Wardman  as City changed to a back 3 and super striker Domanski moved up front. City saw the game out very much in control as was Vicki Wood who calmed things down with some words of wisdom when some frustrations surfaced. Heyside gave a brave second half performance but it was City who continue their good start to the season and progress to the quarter finals of the Cup.

21th October 2007

Bradford City 'A' Team    8-0    Silsden (L)

Lou Lindley  (10,44,60,88)

Clare Fawcett  (15,63)

Laura Gadd  (57,81)

 

The seventh game of the season played on a beautiful autumnal afternoon saw City kick off the game with a maximum 18 points. Their opponents Silsden have struggled this season and due to injuries they began the game with only ten players.

 

City started brightly and created several early chances.  In the 10th minute captain Jess Pearson headed a clever ball from the halfway line to find Aimee Driver who in turn found Lou Lindley with a nice pass. Lindley beat the keeper with a nice right footed finish to give City the lead.

 

Bradford continued to pile on the pressure and 5 minutes later Clare Fawcett smashed home a good cross from Olivia Duxbury to make it 2-0. Midway through the first half Silsden began to get more into the game and twice keeper Kim Kaye had to be alert and clear her lines. As half time approached City made it 3-0. A nice interchange of passes between Laura Gadd and Nicky Davies was finished off by Lindley despite the Silsden keeper getting her fingertips to the ball. The teams went in at halftime with City leading 3-0.

 

City looked to be in control of the game and with a big squad made three changes at halftime to get as many players as possible involved. Claire Popplewell, Nicky Davies and Aimee Driver were replaced by Dani Domanski, Vicki Wood and Hannah Wardman.

The game continued in much the same manner as the first half with City doing most of the attacking. In the 57th minute Gadd did a nice one two with the upright to make it 4-0. It took only another three minutes for City to score with Lindley completing her hat-trick with a good run and finish. It took only another 3 minutes before City were leading 6-0. Fawcett picked up the ball from out wide made a good run towards goal before calmly shooting into the net.

 

Despite the score line Silsden continued to battle well and it wasn’t until the 81st minute that City added to the score. Gadd scored her second with a delicate left foot shot which the keeper almost stopped to make it 7-0. The final goal was something special and it fittingly involved two of the game’s stand out players. Fawcett made a very clever lofted pass from one edge of the penalty are to the other to find Lindley who latched on to the ball and hammered it into the net. That made it four for Lindley and eight for City. That final goal was in the 88th minute and the score ended 8-0 to City.

 

That result makes it a magnificent seven out of seven for City and they remain proudly on top of the table. A big thanks to Sarah Binns who came in to the squad to give us cover. City have a break from the League next week as they entertain Heyside in the League Cup.

14th October 2007

Morley Spurs   1-3   Bradford City 'A' Team   (L)

Claire Pops (14)

Olivia Duxbury (40)

Clare fawcett (44)

 

The A team travelled to unbeaten Morley Spurs on Sunday hoping to extend their own unbeaten record.

         Morley’s new ground was small, slopped and over grown and looked to have a lot of home advantage. Both teams looked a bit cagey in the first ten minutes but Claire Pops settled any City nerves on the fourteenth minute with a typical Pops left foot in to the top corner. City’s keeper Jess Mallison and the back four of Gadd, Cropp, Wardman and Pearson looked to be in control and the midfield of Pops, Davies and Wood fed the front line time and time again creating many goal opportunities but the Morley keeper was on form and denied several attempts from Lindley, Duxbury and Fawcett. Morley looked good on the break but Mallison was on her toes in the City net and swept up the through ball on more than one occasion to keep them at bay. The game became scrappy and due to a lack of support play from the City players there was no fluent football being played. Olivia Duxbury eased the tension with one of her tantalizing runs down the left, skinning the right back and pulling the trigger on entering the area and hitting the back of the Morley net to make it 2 on the 40th minute. Soon after Clare Fawcett made it 3 and City looked well in control. The second half started well for City passing the ball around with loads more confidence but Morley didn’t give up. They had a good 20 minute period where they pulled one back from a corner and looked like they could get back into the game but City dug deep and worked extremely hard and weathered the storm well with the midfield working both up and down the pitch to break up Morley’s plans. Emmie Kinnear came on for Lindley up front with 20 minutes to go to partner Fawcett but between them couldn’t extend City’s lead. With 10 minutes left on the clock Morley broke through the city back four and unleashed a thunderbolt towards the City goal but Mallison was up to the challenge and dived full length to her right and finger tipped it around the post to keep the score at 3-1. With Davies coming off injured in the last 8 minutes Erin Rosenberg took to the field in the middle of the midfield and grafted with everyone else right up to the final whistle to secure the 3 points that take them 8 points clear in the Premiership. Even thou all the players worked very hard on a pitch that didn’t suit the way they like to play a special mention  must go to Olivia Duxbury who never stopped running for the entire 90 minutes and Laura Gadd who had a very sound game at left back. Next week sees City play Silsden at Home which will be the midway point of the A teams season and the week after they start their cup campaign against Heyside.

    Keep up the great team spirit and the hard work! ‘O and before I go, have you heard the one about the big guy who sings who went to heaven……………………..?’

 

 

7th October 2007

Bradford City 'A' Team   3-2   Lepton Highlanders (L)

Olivia Duxbury (24)

Lou Lindley (54)

Clare fawcett (79)

    Today’s game saw City taking on second in the league Lepton Highlanders, and was going to be a good test for the girls after their 3 previous comfortable wins. Confidence was high before the game, and with the return of keeper Kim Kaye the girls prepared themselves for what was to be a tough game.

 

The first 20 minutes saw both teams very evenly matched, with both struggling to settle and at times the football was very scrappy. However it was City that took hold of the game. Whilst Lepton’s back four were busy claiming for offside, Lou sprinted from a deeper position to collect the ball and play Olivia in on the left side, Olivia coolly placed the ball beyond the keeper to take City into the lead after 24 mins.

 

 The goal seemed to be a bit of a wake up call for Lepton, and they immediately piled the pressure on. With their left winger causing all kinds of problems, Pops was left man marking which then resulted in a gaping hole in midfield. It wasn’t long before Lepton took advantage of our stretched midfield and within 10 minutes they had equalized. City kept battling but couldn’t hold Lepton off, desperately needing half time to come to regroup City conceded again, frustratingly the last kick of the half which gave Lepton a 2-1 lead.

 

At half time City had their heads down and looked to be out of the game. But Steve and Aidan made immediate changes to the line up and formation, bringing on Mel Cropp for Erin Rosenberg and Emmie Kinnear for Vikki Wood. After the team talk the girls were raring to turn the game around.

 

The impact the changes made was immediately noticeable, and City dominated the second half. The girl’s hard work paid off when Lou scored from a ball played in by Laura Gadd after 54 mins. After the equalizer City continued to control the game. The subs Emmie and Mel looked very comfortable, and it wasn’t long before City took the lead, with Lou picking the ball up on the left side of midfield and playing an inch perfect pass to Clare Fawcett who was left with just the keeper to beat. With a fantastic finish this took City to 3-2 in front on the 79th minute. Despite some late efforts from Lepton, City managed to keep hold of their lead and even came close to getting a fourth.

 

The final whistle was met with sighs of relief from everyone, and the girls were delighted to have got a well earned three points. The second half was a fantastic example of what we can achieve with team work. The team spirit was brilliant with everyone playing for each other, and with a never say die attitude like we showed who knows what can happen this season.

 

23rd September 2007

Bradford City 'A' Team    3-1  Leeds City Vixens (L)

Lou Lindley (10)

Claire Pops (65)

Aimee Driver (69)

 

Today's game against Leeds City Vixens welcomed Ami Nolan and Aimee Driver to the team making it a 16 man squad, including peg leg Melanie. Manager Aidan and Coach Rev. Steve therefore had a hard decision to make in terms of line-up, Rev. Steve brought Milkyways and Mars Bars to soften the blow for those left on the bench.

 

During the warm up I couldn’t help noticing how much more professional and organised we looked compared to Vixens, who turned up in mix match kit 20 minutes before kick off. The game kicked off and City looked good, keeping possession and sending lovely balls over the top of the Vixens defence for Olivia, Pops and Lou to run onto. Olivia knocked a few crosses into the box to no gain. Then on 10 minutes Lou steamed onto a ball from Pops and knocked it past the keeper who was at least a foot shorter that our keeper, Jules. Just before half time Olivia was feeling the strain of all the long balls over the top and was replaced by Super sub Erin... Olivia took her seat on the wooden bench dragged over from the cricket pitch next to fellow peg leg Mel.

 

Half time saw Diddy take a leak on the tree while Rev. Steve handed out Milkyways and Mars bars to the team and some sneaky supporters!

 

The second half felt different, maybe Vixens had had a kick up the butt from their manager, they came out all guns blazing... Neither team really got hold of the ball until it was played through to Aimee Driver who took on a few players here and there, with just the keeper to beat she side footed it towards the goal...and hit the post... never fear though, due to the playing experience of Pops she never gave up and was there to side foot the ball home. Some people think Pops stole Drivers goal, some people think Driver was aiming for the post.....I think it made City 2-0 up after 65 minutes.  After all the hard work Driver had done for the previous goal she was rewarded with her own after 69 minutes... again the ball was played through and split the Vixens defence just like the glass split my leg, Driver was 1 on 1 with the keeper, after throwing some shapes and skipping past the bewildered keeper, Driver made sure she got the ball in the back of the net this time, getting her name on the score sheet and in this match report.  3-0. On the 75th minute some blonde girl upfront for Vixens got hit in the face with the ball and the Referee gave a free kick... Skipper Jess did well to keep calm after such a ludicrous decision! Good job we practised defending crosses in training, or not... 3-1... Rev. Steve swore, and then said 6 hail marys. Time for another sub, on came Kim for Hannah. Hannah got 3 High 5s from the supporters... Final Whistle...

 

City made it 4 out of 4....

 

Tune in next week to find out How Mel's leg will look after the stitches come out, How many High 5s Hannah gets after the game and what Rev. Steve brings in his CoolBox...

 

Over and Out...

 

Melanie Cropp.

 

 

 

 

16th September 2007

Bradford City 'A' Team    4-1  Kirklees ladies (L)

Claire Pops (11)

Olivia Duxbury (32, 40)

Nicky Davies (81)

 

With the return of Erin Rosenberg to the A team they just made the one change from last weeks victorious line up. Hannah Wardman joined the bench to make way for Erin in the back four. Last season Bradford struggled against Kirklees on more than one occasion, but with the new look and much improved squad the players confidence was high. Bradford started well keeping the ball, frustrating the opposition and applying good pressure on the Kirklees back four. So much so that Bradford earned themselves a direct free kick from a miss timed tackle just outside the penalty area. Pops took charge, lining herself up and striking the ball sweetly over the Kirklees wall  beating the keeper to make it one nil on the eleventh minute. The pressure continued and a solo effort from Olivia Duxbury down the left flank carving up the right back made it two, placing the ball between the stranded keeper and the near post. It wasn’t long before Bradford made it three with a well worked move down the right ending with an inch perfect cross from Nicky Davies finding Olivia who calmly volleyed home from just in front of the despairing keeper. Four minutes to half time and an unfortunate facial injury to Erin Rosnberg and a laps in concentration in the back four gifted Kirklees with a one on one with Jules the City keeper. Kirklees scored which boosted their confidence at the half time stage. Bradford resisted the immediate pressure from Kirklees early in the second half and slowly but surely started to control the game. Looking comfortable, the back four of Alice, Jess, Erin and Laura worked hard together and with Jules in the nets they never looked like conceding again. The wide midfield players of Pops and Olivia chased everything and the middle of City’s midfield of Vicki and Nicky started dictated the play. The ever running Lou and Clare bamboozled the Kirklees defence and could have increased the lead on numerous occasions but it was only to be increased by one before the full time whistle but it was worth waiting for. Nicky Davies collected the ball 35 yards out facing her own goal and with a spin turn setting herself up struck an un-stoppable half volley into the back of the net to make the final score line 4-1. All three subs were used during the second half who all settled in well giving other players a well earned rest. Kim Kaye came on for Lou up front, Hannah Wardman came on for Erin Rosenberg and Charlie Simpson came on for Olivia Duxbury. Overall a very good performance.

clarejulesvicki.jpg

9th September 2007

Huddersfield Town Res. 0  -  6   Bradford City 'A' Team  (L)

                                              Lou Lindley (18,64)

                                              Claire Pops (51,73)

                                              Clare Fawcett (82)

                                              Nicky Davies (88)

 

On top of a mountain all covered in snow,
we scored our 6th goal with 2 minutes to go.
Lou opened the scoring with the first of her pair
she headed it in from a cross from young Clare,
The defence was held solid by Hannah and Jess
and Jules was just there to clear up the mess
Alice and Laura worked hard as full backs
always up there to support our attacks.
Olivia and Laura so well did combine
as Livvy ran tirelessly right down the line,
We battled and toiled in the dirt and the grime
but the score still remained 1-0 at half time.
The second half began just like the first
then Pops scored a goal it was just like Geoff Hirsts
Clare Fawcett scored next she rounded the keeper
Lou scored the 4th from a little bit deeper,
Midfield at times were taking the mickey
as the passing was tops from Nicky and Vicky.
Pops 30 yarder took it to five
then Nicky rounded off with a 30 foot drive.
At the end of the day our goal was achieved
and we got 'well done' from Aidan and Steve!!

2nd September 2007

Bradford City 'A' Team  -DNP-  Collingham (L)

                                             

Nothing to report. Collingham failed to register players in time for their first league fixture!

Points awarded to City.

But an excellent 3 hour training session!!!!!!!!!!!

26th August 2007

BCWFC 1st XI   1  -  2   Bradford City 'A' Team  (F)

                                              Pops (56)

                                              Kinnear (80)

 

Last friendly before the battle commences. The A team played hosts to Bradford city Women’s 1st XI. The conditions were perfect and the pitch was immaculate. Once again the A team got off to a slow start with key players missing and players playing in unfamiliar positions yet again. Despite the above, individual and team performances were gutsy and at times hard to tell who the 1st XI were. Jo Tennison kept goal for the A team and made some very very important saves keeping the A team in the game. The back four consisting of Charly, Jess, Erin and Alice frustrated the 1st XI attacks hunting down in packs and covering all angles and options that they had to contend with. The ever hard working mid field didn’t disappoint either with Nicky, Pops, Laura and Clare working together as a close knit unit and linking up well down the flanks. The front two of Jayne and Emmie run their socks off, running the back line ragged at times. Overall the team were very unlucky to leave the field at half time 1-0 down.. A reminder from the management to the players that the first league match is next week and the work rate  during the first half was below par and on far to many occasions were giving the ball away far too easily, ears appeared to prick up and with a slightly different formation to start the second half from the start to the final whistle of the game they looked a completely different team. Clare and Emmie partnered upfront with Jayne sitting in behind Nicky , Pops and Laura made up the 3 across midfield and the back four stayed the same apart from Claire Armitage who came on for the injured Charly during the first half. Much more settled and passionate as a team the A team played some delightful passages of football pulling the scores level with a well worked move with Pops having the final say, passing the ball past the stranded keeper. This fired the team up to another level and it was an absolute pleasure to witness, especially being 1 week away from the start of the season. The manager and coach couldn’t ask for anymore from their team. The icing on the cake was a winning goal for the A team with 10 minutes remaining, yet another well worked passage of play down the left flank feeding the final ball through for Emmie to run on to with just the keeper to beat made no mistake and made it 2 for the A team. All the players can pat themselves on the back for great individual and team performance.

19th August 2007

Bradford Park Avenue   2  -  6   Bradford City 'A' Team  (F)

                                              Duxbury

                                              Pops 2

                                              Davies

                                              Fawcett

                                              Lindley

 

Pre season friendly for the A team was against Bradford Park Avenue, supposed to be at the stadium but again our big feet were a fret to the pitch so we were condoned to the park pitch with matching changing rooms. It was Benji's first ecounter against her old side, she must have thought she'd made the right choice as Avenue took an early lead, as Bradford struggled with yet a new back four,with first time pairing of Dani and Vicky at the heart of it.
Park_Avenue_low_2.jpg
Olivia drew us level with a fine strike which settled the team with Pops making it 2 ten minutes later with one of her bursts from midfield. Alice who starred in goal stood no chance for Avenue's second. Bradford then started to play some really good football with good wing play from both Olivia and Laura. Nicky had a long range effort hit the crossbar and although Emmy scored a perfectly good goal and we were scoring more disallowed goals than allowed ones we kept going.

With Clare Fawcett scoring with a great shot which was too powerful for the keeper to hold. Bradford lead 3-2 going into the break.

Park_Avenue_low_4.jpg
The second half saw a similar pattern to our first pre season games by bradford taking the game to Avenue by good work from the forwards and defending from the front, and within minutes of the second half starting saw Bradford go 4-2 up, following up on a fine effort by Olivia which hit the cross bar which then bounced nicely for a tap in for Lou.
Park_Avenue_low_5.jpg
With Jess now alongside Vicky at the back the defence looked solid and the team grew stronger and stronger. Our fifth goal came from a perfect cross by Clare Fawcett and Nicky getting in front of her marker to direct it into the goal.

With 5 minutes to go pops notched her second which capped a fine team performance. Bring on the new season.

12th August 2007

White Rose   2  -  2   Bradford City 'A' Team  (F)

                                  Kinnear

                                  Pops

 

The second pre season friendly for the A Team was against White Rose from the league above, not that you could tell there was a difference in the first period with the girls taking the game to White Rose and the girls looking to improve on last week's performance. Neither side really created any chances in the first period, with the sides pretty even going into the break. The second period saw more goal mouth action from both sides, Bradford coming close with efforts from Nicky, Lou and Pops. The girls kept the pressure on but against the run of play White Rose took the lead with a speculative shot from Rose's number 8 who lobbed Chelsea from just outside the area. This spurred Bradford on, we started creating more and more chances with Jane and Lou running their back line ragged. The break through came from a fine corner from Pops, with Emmy getting in the box where it hurts and drew us level. The girls were growing more confident as the game went on with Olivia and Erin becoming more involved and starting to influence the game; but again against the run of play, poor defending from a corner saw Rose's number 12 unchallenged give White Rose the lead. Not discouraged by this the girls kept going with Laura going close with a number of fine shots on goal. We kept pressing forward and eventually got our reward, our second goal came from Claire in defence who played it inside to Nicky who played an inch perfect 40 yard pass for Pops to run on to, it took all her 5ft 4in body(plus little toe)to steer the ball into the net for a well deserved equaliser. The girls weren't content with the draw and kept pressing right to the final whistle with both Pops and Emmy going close again. The game was a positive step in the right direction for the coming season with good performances by many players.

(ND)

5th August 2007
Bradford City 'A' Team   2  -  2   Collingham Ladies FC

Davies 27 min

Fawcett 77 min

 

In Extreme hot weather conditions both teams performed well for their first pre-season friendly. With key players absent several unfamiliar roles had to be performed by individual players. This showed during periods of the game. City’s keeper for the day was centre back, Hannah Wardman, who looked like a natural, saving City on more than one occasion. The newly formed back four of Laura Gadd, Danny, Erin Rosenberg, and Jess Pearson adapted quickly and looked more comfortable as the game went on as did the hard working midfield of Pop’s, Nicky Davies, Jane Barber and Vicky Wood. The new look duo upfront, Louise Lindley and Emmie Kinnear didn’t get a chance to flourish due to an early exit from the field of play due to injury. Clare Fawcett took to the front line and linked up very well with Emmie what looks like could be a very exiting force up front for City this season.

   Collingham took an early lead with a well executed lob from outside the area over the stranded keeper. This was a wake up call for City who appeared to be struggling to settle and cope with the heat. Thankfully after about 20 minutes they started to take control and applied good pressure on the Collingham back four and keeper and were rewarded with a goal with a great 25 yard strike from Nicky Davies, ricocheting of the underside of the bar giving the keeper no chance at all. Even thou the pressure was constant, frustration set in due to poor finishing. Time and time again the build up’s were good but the end product was below par and started to effect team performance. The second half saw a mirror image of the first half pressure with Sarah Welsh taking to the field giving Jess a well earned break. Still very frustrating for players and supporters witnessing poor finishing yet again which should have resulted in more goals and wrapping the game up. With that said City’s second goal was very well executed. A great kick from the Hannah the City keeper found Pop’s who’s controlled, looked up and placed an inch perfect through ball for Clare to run on to. Clare’s first touch was perfect followed by a great display of running with the ball finishing off with a good strike across the stranded Collingham keeper. 2-1 to City and it never looked like City could lose this encounter until an unfortunate referring error. The back four had pushed on nice and compact playing for the offside trap which worked (5 yards!) but to add to City’s frustration the players and side line objections were dismissed by the referee and the goal stood. With minutes to go City still had chances of securing a win but with the heat taking it’s toil, players were pleased to hear the final whistle and start to re-hydrate and recover. Summary: 16 shots. 7 on target. 3 struck well.