WELCOME
Home
Introduction
Officers
Contact us
1st XI
'A' Team
Under 15's
Senior Team Sheet
League Tables
Match Reports
Training Information
Fund raising
Ground Location
Powerminster Gleeson Services 1st XI Match Points 09/10
'A' Team Match Points 09/10
Senior squad 2009/10
SPONSORSHIP 2010/11
CWO/Safe Guarding
In the beginning...
Club Honours
BCWFC Annual Awards
Photo Gallery
Nutrition Page
Under 16's 09/10
                                                                             25th April 2010
                                                 Darlington   0-11  Bradford City
                                                                                              Alice Thackray 3,58.
                                                                                              Whitney Taiwo 9,14,54.
                                                                                              Mel Garside 29,69,78.
                                                                                              Chelsey Faulkner 48.
                                                                                              Charlotte Stuart 67,87.
all090510560.jpg
mg090510.jpg

Despite finishing mid- table this season City finished on a high. The three hour round trip to bottom of the table Darlington ended 11-0 against an opposition that are probably wishing their season had finished too. Alice Thackray opened City’s account in the 3rd minute from the penalty spot after one of the Darlington players handled the ball in the area. Soon after Whitney Taiwo scored her first of a great hat-trick, running through the defence and placing the ball past the stranded keeper. Skipper Mel Garside wasn’t going to miss out as she and the team soon detected that the only thing on the menu during this game was goals. Mel headed home an inch perfect cross from City’s Alice Thackray at the half our stage and Whitney made it four just before half time. The game was as good as over but City wanted to finish the season with a near faultless display and were determined not to concede. Becky Teale who started in goal was desperate to play outfield so the recovering Faye Boshell stepped in and put the no.1 shirt on whilst Clare Fawcett came off to allow Becky to take up the role in midfield. City were playing well, letting the ball do the work and the passing and movement was very good to watch. Alice Thackray and Chelsey Faulkner  added to the tally of goals causing more frustration to the Darlington players. Then with 20 minutes remaining Whitney Taiwo and Charlotte Stuart exchanged positions which allowed Whitney to run riot down the wing adding a new dimension to the team and creating even more goal scoring opportunities. Whitney completed her hat-trick which was soon followed by a brace from Mel Garside capping off another hat-trick. Then Charlotte Stuart showed her versatility by adding 2 more to make it 11. City could have scored more the way they were playing.  A great volley from Kerrie Zserdicky worried the Darlington keeper which just clipped the bar and Mel Garside hit the bar and post but overall it was a very good effort from all the players and credit has to go to the Darlington players who were very gracious in defeat and never gave up.

mg090510.jpg
25th April 2010
Bradford City  1-0  Stockport County
                                           Charlotte Stuart  76
kzcf250410.jpg

City played host to Stockport County at the weekend............................ After letting them off the hook earlier in the season after missing a penalty in the final minute and getting knocked out of the FA cup during injury time 2 weeks later by the same team, City had some unfinished business to finish before the end of the season and they didn’t disappoint.

   With Sarah Binns return to the first team to add more stability in the centre of midfield and a new look start with wing backs Alice Thackray and Charlotte Stuart City started well. The weather warm and muggy but the City players had a lot of pride to play for and despite the last 2 games of the season having no relevance on the league table(promotion or relegation) all the players looked very upbeat and concentrated on their job to do for the duration of the game. With Jules Jefferis in goals and the 3 centre backs of Becky Griggs, Laura Mahoney and Chelsey Faulkner City had a very strong midfield with loads of attacking options which Stockport struggled to come to terms with. Becky Teale, Kerrie Zserdicky and Sarah Binns took charge of the battle in the middle of midfield which helped to create goal scoring opportunities up front for Mel Garside and Clare Fawcett. City should have taken the lead just before half time when a well worked move down the right involving several of the City players ended up at Mel Garsides feet in the 6 yard area, who then in turn fooled the keeper and wrong footed the last defender but then placed the ball gracefully wide of the post. On the half time whistle the weather changed. The heavens opened and what followed completely changed the pitch condition for the second half. Hail, Rain, Thunder and lightening forced the officials to extend the half time break for an additional 5 minutes but City came out the stronger in the half. Whitney Taiwo took to the field as Becky Griggs was replaced for a niggling ankle injury. Whitney took over Alice Thackrays role as wing back and Alice stepped into the vacant centre back position. Stockport didn’t know what hit them. They couldn’t keep up with the pace of Whitney and for at least 35 out of the 45 minutes, City camped in the Stockport half. Skipper Mel Garside was struggling up front as she was carrying a badly sprained ankle from an earlier incident, but she battled through creating the only goal of the match. Chasing down a 50 50 ball with the keeper in the 76th minute saw the ball rebounded out of the area where Charlotte Stuarts anticipation paid off as she lobbed the ball over the Stockport keeper, stranded defenders and the injured City Skipper lying on the ground into the back of the net. City kept the pressure on and could have scored more had it not have been for a good performance from the Stockport keeper. Another good performance from the team and a well deserved rest next week before their final match of the season against bottom of the table, Darlington on the 9th of May.

kzcf250410.jpg

11th April 2010
Bradford City   1-2   Salford LFC 
  

Despite several players injured and/or away on holiday City’s squad was still big enough and good enough not to be concerned about this fixture. Over the past few season there has been no love lost between Salford and City and yet again there was no change again. Becky Griggs put on the gloves for this fixture due to City’s keepers absence and Clare Fawcett replaced Emma Dobson on the right side of midfield. The rest of the positions were all taken by regular team members and apart from the firm ground the conditions were perfect. The game got under way but both sets of players appeared to equal each other out and the pace of the game was very sluggish but the tackles and atmosphere were starting to boil over.  Both teams came close to opening the scoring but both denied by good saves. City lost their centre back on the 18th minute after a brave low header clashed accidently with a boot and had to leave the field with a bloody head injury. Jess Pearson came on to replace her and the game continued in the same manner. City managed to take the lead just before half time when Salford failed to clear a corner and Becky Teale directed the ball goal bound which was helped in by the left back trying to head over. The game needed a boost and at the half time interval City got an ear full from the coach about their sluggish approach to this game hoping that in the second half there would be a positive change. The first 15 minutes did see a more positive response but the gods were against City today when Kerrie Zserdicky panicked on the City goal line during a goal mouth scramble on the 65th minute and handled the ball and had to walk. From this point on with City playing with ten they started to look deflated instead of raising their game to compensate their loss, they appeared to take a step backwards. City came close to what would have appeared to be the winner when Whitney Taiwo volleyed from outside the area and forced an outstanding save from the Salford keeper but apart from that they struggled to create many more chances. Salford took advantage of their one player advantage and managed to double their tally in the 82nd minute with a good finish which hurt City even more then had to make their final substitution minutes after when Charlotte Stuart was taken out by a nasty tackle which could have seen red but was awarded a yellow by the official and Katie Suttron moved into midfield as City had to try and salvage something from this game but time quickly ran out and City lost the match 2-1. A big disappointment to Bradford as they had just started to look good as a team and play some nice football recently and had set their stall out to finish the season on a high by taking maximum points from their last five games. That has now been foiled, but still have three matches remaining to show the rest of the league that they are a team to look out for.

 

                                                                      28th March 2010
                                                                            (League)
                                                    Bradford City   3-0  Liverpool Feds 
                                                                      Boshell 3.
                                                                      Garside 42.
                                                                      Taiwo 82.
 
wt280310.jpg
Jules Jefferis back in goals at City and looked as good as ever.

Bradford City welcomed strong league champion contenders Liverpool Feds to Thackley at the weekend in the know that after going down 6-1 earlier in the season it was going to be a tough contest. City welcomed back Jules Jefferis to secure the keepers post and Kirsty Russell to shore up the middle of midfield. The players looked relaxed and confident and were egger to get stuck in but due to Liverpools late arrival the eagerness turned to frustration as the kick off was put back 20 minutes. Eventually the game got under way and City started very confidently. So much so that they stunned Liverpool by taking the lead in the first 3 minutes after Faye Boshell fired home a direct free kick from 30 yards out. This put additional zip into the City players stride and they settled nicely and took the game to the Feds. All the players were doing a great job and in the 42nd minute City extended their lead with another blistering shot from 22 yards out from skipper, Mel Garside. The return of Jules Jefferis in the City goals gave the team more security and it showed in the girls performance. Alice Thackray and Faye Boshell shored up the defence with Chelsey Faulkner and Charlotte Stuart either side looked very solid.  Becky Teale along side Kirsty Russell ruled the roost in the middle of midfield and with the every running Whitney Taiwo up front with Mel Garside assisted by Emma Dobson and Clare Fawcett out wide, Liverpool had to defend in numbers to hold on upsetting their game plan time and time again. The second half saw City apply the same pressure and Liverpool had to try and gamble to try and salvage anything from this game but each time they were foiled by the hard working defence or Jules in goals. In the end the final nail entered Liverpools coffin after Clare Fawcett forced an error by the Feds right back as she stole the ball close to the corner flag and delivered the perfect cross which was converted into number 3 for City by Whitney Taiwo as she pounced between their keeper and a stranded defender. The goal was much deserved by Whitney as she caused havoc amongst the Liverpool defenders all game. A great result by a very happy team. Match point was awarded to Clare Fawcett for her hard work and cool head for the duration of the game. Well done girls.

wt280310.jpg
Whitney Taiwo in full fight as she tears through the Liverpool defence.
                                                                                                                 21st March 2010
                                                                                                       Quarter Final County Cup
                                                    BRADFORD CITY  1-5  Leeds City Vixens
 
                                                                            Clare Fawcett 72
cteam210310.jpg
Charlotte Stuart receiving treatment unable to continue.

Premiership team Leeds city Vixens were just to strong for City in this quarter final fixture but City put up a good fight and can keep their heads held high. After Olivia Duxbury hobbled off in the 42nd minute and Charlotte Stuart early in the second half, the odds started stacking up against them. At 2-0 at the half time interval, City were still quitely confident that thay may get back into the game but it wasn't to be. City's highlight of the game was a consolation goal of the highest quality. With an inch perfect cross heading towards Clare Fawcett's right boot like a heat seeking missle, she shaped, she looked, she volleyed right into the top right hand corner. The players looked very dejected and upset to be knocked out, but against good opposition City played some good football and can take a lot of positives into their next fixture on sunday against Liverpool.

cteam210310.jpg

14th March
Tranmere    0-1
   BRADFORD CITY
                                   Whitney Taiwo 60

Tran10.jpg
Click on photo to view slide show.

A 150 mile round trip for the return fixture against Tranmere and City returned home with the 3 points. Not the prettiest of matches but nice to win. 2 bookings a saved penalty and a well placed goal just about covers this match.   Katie Suttron had a very good game in goals with the added bonus of a penalty save completing her day and Whitney’s well placed shot on goal were the highlights of the day but the team did stick together and worked hard to hold out for the 90 minutes and grind out the 3 points. Nice to keep a clean sheet and nice to win. Well done girls.

28th February
Rochdale LFC    5-1   BRADFORD CITY
                                                          Emma Dobson 79

The look says it all!
Despite the look of dejection there were some great individual performances.........................
thelooksaysitall.jpg
Dejection after final whistle.

Another fortnight between league fixtures and with the injuries and illnesses effecting the City squad and then losing 5-1 to league leaders Rochdale LFC the coach still commended his players after the game for sticking to their game plan and not giving up for the 90 minutes. (which was actually clocked as 85 minutes on my watch!) Nevertheless as already mentioned, City travelled the short distance down the M62 to league leaders Rochdale when on arrival they were still unsure whether or not the game was to be played on 3G astro or grass. In the end it was played on grass. City decided to stick with their policy of bringing in the younger players to cover injured and ill squad members and introduced yet anther new debutant in at right back, Faye Allen who unfortunately didn’t know what hit her in the first 45 minutes ended up having to mark and deal with Rochdale’s speedy left sided forward and probably what turned out to be their best player. City approached this game very open minded and were determined to relax and enjoy it. All the players had their individual instructions and the team as a whole knew what was expected from them. The atmosphere appeared to be good although understandably one or two nerves were slightly visible. City started with a new face in goals. Katie Suttron has taken over the reins between the sticks as the injuries to the City keepers has reached its pinnacle. The back four consisted of Chelsey Faulkner at Left Back Faye Allen on the right and Faye Boshell with Alice Thackray in the centre. The midfield saw both Becky Teale and Becky Griggs take up the role in the middle with Bryony Wraith and Emma Dobson mixing up the flanks. Leaving Melanie Garside and Whitney Taiwo up front. The first 10 minutes witnessed both teams equalling each other out but Rochdale looking the more dangerous down the left side and in the 11th minute the trap was sprung. It looked very close to being off side but the goal was awarded. There after despite some promising moves by City getting in behind the Rochdale defence but no rewards, Rochdale piled on the pressure at the other end and tore through the City defence on three very similar looking attacks leaving Katie Suttron a lot to deal with in goals and leaving the defenders looking a bit bewildered. At half time City were 4-0 down but not down hearted. They regrouped and made a couple of changes to cancel out the Rochdale repetitive attacks and with a slight breeze behind them started the second half very positively, playing a high line to reverse the pressure and they started to frustrate Rochdale with the off side trap time and time again. Olivia Duxbury had come on replacing Bryony Wraith on the left side of midfield and looked as good as she’s ever played. Beating the right back on several occasions and planting the ball into the danger area. Charlotte Stuart had also come on at the half time break to relieve Faye Allen from the Rochdale danger player and with all her experience tied her up in knots and played extremely well despite a blow to the face which she played through the pain and helped City gain some respect back. Alice Thackray who has been filling in at centre back recently had her usual solid performance and is probably looking forward to returning to her more familiar position on the right side soon. The hard working central midfield players did their part. Both Becky’s started to win the 50-50 ball and distributing it to the wide players and forwards and Mel Garside who was instructed to drop of slightly  started to dictate the play in the final 3rd of the pitch. Whitney Taiwo’s role was to work the Rochdale back 4 over and she never stopped running. She was a handful for anyone today and she deserved a goal but it just wasn’t her day. She broke through on several occasion and hit the post at one point, but it just wasn’t to be. Emma Dobson played her best game of the season and looked to be enjoying every minute of the game and was rewarded with a goal after following up a long distance shot from Faye Boshell which the keeper spilt and Emma didn’t hesitate and said thank you very much and put the ball into the back of the net. The second half witnessed 2 equally matched teams ending at 1-1 but the first half was the killer blow for City. The match point award was awarded to Whitney Taiwo which was well deserved for all her efforts but this takes nothing away from a lot of other individuals who had excellent games despite the score line. Lots of positives have been taken out of this match and City are eager to take to the field soon to continue where they left off on a high and will be back to a full strength squad to choose from. They are playing at Rawdon Meadows on Sunday in the 3rd Round of the County Cup against Pontefract ssc 2pm ko.    

14th February 2010
(League)
Bradford City   1-1  Wakefield LFC 
                             Melanie Garside  29
wt140210.jpg
City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to local rivials Wakefield LFC. Mel Garside headed home on the 29th minute to ease any pressure but then City failed to add to it. Jess Mallison had to leave the field of play after a thigh injury and yet again Becky Teale was called upon to help out in the goals.
  The match was not a pretty affair but certain individuals did play very well. Charlotte Stuart had a good game in the middle of midfield, Whitney Taiwo and Mel Garside worked hard up front, Emma Dobson looked comfortable throughout the 90 minutes to say it was her first start in the 1st team but the match point was awarded to Laura Mahoney for a very good performance over the duration of the match. Wakefield pulled back an equallizer on the 79th Minute with a thunderous shot from far out and went down to 10 players for the last 8 minutes due to their keeper getting injuried but City, not without trying couldnt add to their tally. Final score 1--1.
wt140210.jpg

7th February 2010
(League)
Middlesbrough  2-0  Bradford City 

After a 7-1 battering against 2nd placed Middlesbrough less than a fortnight ago City had to make the long journey up the A1 at the weekend for the return fixture. With players returning from injury and reserves securing their place after good performances last week, City had a maximum turn out for this very tough fixture.

Despite the battering 2 weeks ago, City felt they should have put up a better fight and therefore had the bit between their teeth for this away fixture. On arrival the pith and stadium looked fantastic and there could be no excuses for performance on such a good playing surface. The starting 11 had to be changed 10 minutes before the kick off due to Faye Boshells niggling thigh injury flaring up so the reliable Alice Thackray stood in at centre back next to Laura Mahoney and Charlotte Stuart started at right back. The midfield saw Whitney Taiwo and Kerrie Zserdicky on the wings with Becky Griggs and Natalie Tomkins securing the middle of midfield leaving Clare Fawcett and Mel Garside up front. The game plan was simple. Stop the Middlesbrough forwards running through on to the ball. This was repeated time and time again at City’s ground and they had to cut it out to try and get anything from this game. The Middlesbrough team didn’t disappoint. From the start, they planted the ball through the tiniest of gaps in the City defence to perfection for their speedy forwards to pounce on and if it hadn’t of been for some outstanding one on one keeping from Amy Larner and quick thinking from the City defence the score line could have been more like a cricket score than the respectable score line at the end of the game. Middlesbrough opened their account to the horror of the City players and the management on the 34th minute when the linesman didn’t flag an obvious offside decision which left a one on one where the forward managed to beat Amy Larner for the first time. What made matters worse was City lost their keeper after an accidental collision with the opposition forward leaving her on route to hospital with a broken finger . 1-0 at half time and with all the Bradford players getting their breath back after their great efforts in the half, City felt they could still get something from this match. Soon into the second half  after replacement keeper Becky Teale had settled in nicely, City brought on fresh legs on to the field and things started to look more threatening. Sarah Dickens played in her familiar position on the left and Bryony Wraith took over on the right and after switching Whitney Taiwo with Clare Fawcett up front things started to improve City’s chances of pulling a goal back.. .....................But it wasn’t to be City’s day. After a period of 30 minutes both teams were just equalling each other out and despite the football not being the best of the season it was a very good contest. Middlesb rough broke the dead lock in the second half with 10 minutes remaining which was a blow for the hard working City players but it was a great effort by all against a very strong and organised Middlesbrough team. All the players deserve a pat on the back for their efforts but Chelsey Faulkner just stood out from the rest with her tied less efforts and received the match point award. If City can continue this sort of performance over the next couple of weeks they should secure points and cup progression to put them in good stead for the remainder of the season.

31st January 2010
(League)
Scunthorpe  1-6  Bradford City 
                                                              og. Wraith. Taiwo. Garside(2). Zserdicky 

6.jpg
Clare Fawcett in the thick of it.

Bradford City travelled to Scunthorpe at the weekend as the winter frost returned. The team that travelled was not the regular squad as illness and injuries had hit the club hard. Jess Mallison’s lack of training and illness gave Amy Larner the chance to redeem her place back in the 1st team goal and with Melanie Cropp. Sarah Dickens, Charlotte Stuart and Natalie Tomkins all injured during the Middlesbrough encounter City looked to their trusted young guns from the reserves to help out and they didn’t disappoint.

    On arrival both sets of players were sceptical about the frozen surface and the City coach questioned the referees decision on his approval that it was fit and safe to play. But he insisted that the game would start on time and the coaches got their plays set for the start. City started with a 442 formation with the changed look of Alice Thackray and  Chelsey Faulkner as right and left back respectively and in the centre Faye Boshell along side debutant Laura Mahoney. In front of the them Becky Griggs  and Becky Teale with Kerrie Zserdicky playing out on the left and another young debutant start for Bryony Wraith on the right leaving  the ever consistent Mel Garside up front with City’s other up and coming young star of the future Whitney Taiwo.

6.jpg
Laura Mahoney and Becky Teale battle to clear the ball.

Both teams started off very gingerly due to the hard conditions underfoot but the physical side of the game started from the first blow of the whistle as on and off the ball foul play incidents between some players started to get out of hand, but simmered as the game progressed. Unfortunately City fell behind very early on from a corner where they just appeared to switch off and a soft goal was gifted. This appeared to fuel the City players into attack mode and almost straight from the kick off they pulled level from an own goal, but well earned from a great solo run from Kerrie Zserdicky who beat the right sided midfield player then megged the right back and drove the ball hard and low across the Scunthorpe 6 yard area deflecting off the stranded defender into the back of the net.

City settled quickly and looked very confident. It wasn’t long before they took the lead when they were awarded a free kick 30 yards away from the goal. Captain Mel Garside called up Bryony Wraith who stepped up very casually and struck the ball with so much venom that despite the keeper s  good positioning couldn’t push the ball over the bar.

ed310110529.jpg
Becky Griggs kept a cool head after several aggravated clashes in the middle of the park.

2-1 at the half time whistle. After the team talk no changes were made and City continued the pressure.  On the 55th minute Whitney Taiwo’s constant annoying pressure paid off after covering half the pitch on a counter attack, she shot towards the goal which the keeper half saved but not giving up she recovered the ball, bamboozled one returning defender who fell to the ground and smashed the ball past another, stranded on the Scunthorpe goal line. This was followed by some great passages of play from City all around the pitch from the keeper to the forwards. The back four looked as solid as ever before with Alice Thackray tidying up any possible damage coming down the left side as did Chelsey Faulkner on the opposite side. Faye Boshell was strong  as ever and a special mention for debutant Laura Mahoney who was a breath of fresh air for all to see as she shut down, swept up, cleared, won 50 -50 balls and looked as thou she’d  played there all season. As for the midfield, both Kerrie Zserdicky and Bryony Wraith run riot down the flanks distributing the ball into the Scunthorpe danger area time and time again. The central midfield area was a battle field as unfinished first half business was still in the air and both Becky Teale and Becky Griggs were in the thick of it and handled it very well and by the end of the match won the war by keeping their heads and letting the football do the talking.

ed310110529.jpg

   Captain Mel Garside put any doubt to rest for the 3 points by scoring two goals in quick succession. Both very similar, converting crosses from the right hand side one with the right boot and one with her head! To wrap things up Kerrie Zserdicky slotted home a 6th goal for City after a well worked move down the left side.  Becky Teale made way for Clare Fawcett giving her a well earned rest and City’s 3rd young debutant of the day Emma Dobson swapped places with Bryony Wraith on the right side who again looked very confident against a strong Scunthorpe side. Laura Gadd came on for the last 8 minutes replacing the very tied and very hard working Kerrie Zserdicky who was awarded the match point for her high level of consistency during the game. Next week City travel to Middlesbrough hoping to cause an upset and to improve their own league position.

                                                             24th January 2010
                                                                   (League)
                                               Bradford City  1-7  Middlesbrough
                                                  Mel Garside 85

middlesbrough240110560.jpg
Natalie Tomkins escapes the hunting pack.

City returned to their league fixture schedule after an eight week break due to the freeze and it showed as they struggled to keep up with a confident Middlesbrough side. City knew this was going to be a very tough encounter as Middlesbrough are pushing for the title and managed to play last week to give them a slight advantage over City who came out of the cold and never got warm. The first ten minutes were very scrappy and Middlesbrough settled first and applied themselves very well by moving quicker and supporting each other at all times, always managing to get bodies behind the ball and break quickly. This was the complete opposite to what Bradford were doing. Middlesbrough went in at half time 3-0 up and City brought on Whitney Taiwo and Clare Fawcett to try and get back into the game. They believed that they still had a chance to turn this game around because they all knew that they hadn’t really started playing yet. But it wasn’t to be. Bradford just could not get into this game and conceded another 3 goals. Despite feeling like running into a wall time and time again, City kept their heads and used the remainder of the game as a practice session to prepare for next weeks tough opposition, Liverpool. City’s best spell was the last 15 minutes when they were reduced to 10 players after Mel Cropp had to leave the field for suspected ankle ligament damage and Captain Melanie Garside scored a consolation goal which was probably the best goal in the game. Match point was awarded to Chesley Faulkner who never lets her team mates down with her fearless challenges and endless energy throughout the 90 minutes. City must regroup quickly and get back into winning ways soon to avoid another ending to a season where they have to start relying on other results to stay in this league!

13th December 2009
(League)
South Durham  2-1  Bradford City  
 
                                                                                                                                               Sarah Dickens 82
durhamaway131209/cs131209.jpg
Charlotte Stuart in action

Bradford City players and management team travelled 70 miles up the A1 at the weekend to play second placed South Durham in this seasons disrupted league schedule. Due to appalling weather conditions City have not played a league fixture for over a month and this game was an important one for them to stay in touch with the top 3 teams. The pitch was heavy but in good condition and City started with a familiar system of 4 at the back, 4 in mid-field and 2 up front.  City started very well against a Durham team that are flying high at the moment. There was nothing between the two teams and if anything, if this had of been a boxing match, City would have gone in at half time winning on points despite conceding one goal on the 38th minute from a fluke 40 yard snap shot.

Jess Mallison, the City keeper looked full of confidence in this match making important saves and commanding the area and the back four of Alice Thackray, Faye Boshell, Mel Cropp and Kerrie Zserdickys dealt with everything that was thrown at them. Durhams tactics of the long ball over the top were snubbed out and City controlled the midfield with great work rates from Becky Teale and Chelsey Faulkner. The only bit that was missing was City’s finishing. Not for the lack of effort,  it just wasn’t  their day.

The second half was very much like the first half. Two teams equally matched and cancelling each other out time after time. City knew this game was there for the taking if they could just grind the opposition down and have that little bit of luck. City’s left back Kerrie Zserdicky who put in a solid performance had to vacate the field of play with a badly bruised knee after a 50-50 tackle witnessed a double knee contact seeing both teams having to bring on substitutes. Jess Pearson stepped straight into the left back position and the battle commenced. Charlotte Stuart and Sarah Dickens came into their elements when they were instructed to push out wide and forward which gave City more attacking avenues down the flanks and the Durham defence started to crack slightly. Crosses started finding the danger areas and well taken corners from Clare Fawcett started to threaten the Durahm goal but the luck of the gods were against City on this cold December afternoon. Durham doubled their  tally from a freakish free kick that wrong footed the City keeper with a strike that moved the ball in mid air sideways. This was a massive blow for the City players who were giving their all to get something out of this game. Chelsey Faulkner gave way for City’s debutant Natalie Tomkins who had 12 minutes to try and turn this game round. City pushed players on and continued working for each other and reward came on the 85th minute from a well worked free kick. This must have been a rehearsed training drill as it worked a treat. With players running away from the ball to take their positions in the wall, Sarah Dickens calmly placed the ball in to the bottom left hand side of the net leaving all the stunned Durham players looking at each other in a confused manner. City grabbed the ball and placed it on the spot ready for the retake and worked their socks off right up until the final whistle to try and salvage a point but it wasn’t to be. Match point was awarded to Becky Teale for her gutsy and tireless performance in the centre of midfield. Over all a very good performance and very unlucky not to salvage any points.  Before I wrap up this match report, I felt I should mention the officials. It has to be said that the referee was model for women’s football. He treated each and every player as a footballer and talked to the players throughout the 90 minutes. It was a pleasure to witness after some of the officials that City have had to put up with this season. Well done to him.

City travel to League leaders Rochdale at the weekend, hoping to upset there winning run before Santa arrives!

15th November 2009
(County Cup)
Bradford City    5-1   Guiseley LFC
GuiseleyCC151109/kr151109.jpg

Bradford City hosted Guiseley LFC in the 2nd round of this seasons County Cup at the weekend and after 2 full weeks of non training or matches due to the appalling weather it took City 50 minutes to get back into the groove. The weather was perfect this week for football and to be fair, the pitch was very good considering the amount of rain that had fallen during the week. City started with an attacking formation, with Mel Garside and Clare Fawcett up front and Chelsey Faulkner and Whitney Taiwo close behind in the centre of midfield. Playing three at the back gave City the alternative attacking options on the flanks with Sarah Dickens on the left and Alice Thackray on the right. City started this formation in their FA encounter against Stockport two weeks ago and it worked very well but against Guiseley it wasn’t to be. Guiseley decided to play one up front and pack their midfield but used their fast wide players to get in behind City’s midfield and created lots of work and pressure on City’s defence and so the formation was quickly changed to a 442, which helped City to settle into the game after having such a long spell away from the training ground and matches. City’s defence handled the Guiseley attacks much better, as the very versatile Chelsey Faulkner dropped into the left back position, Alice Thackray exchanged places with Charlotte Stuart and Faye Boshell and Vicki Wood took up their more familiar rolls as centre backs, all protecting City’s stand in keeper Becky Teale who is slowly but surely pushing for the no1 spot as her confidence grows every time she puts on the keepers shirt. City looked alot more organised with Becky Griggs and Whitney Taiwo bossing the midfield but the first half equalled it’s self out as City played below par and Guiseley played extremely well keeping their hopes alive of knocking out a team who play 2 leagues above them.

GuiseleyCC151109/kr151109.jpg
Back in the thick of it. Kirsty Russell.

After regrouping during the half time break and an open chat about players roles and responsibilities, City started the second half more upbeat and looking like a team that meant business. Within the first 5 minutes of the second half Whitney Taiwo opened City’s account with a blistering right footed strike from out side the area after a great passage of play down the right side involving Alice Thackray, Charlotte Stuart and Clare Fawcett. Soon after City made it 2-0 which Taiwo playing another big part in setting up Mel Garside who calmly placed the ball into the back of the Guiseley net. This starteld the Guiseley players and panic started to set in as City started to dominate the game.  Despite it not being City’s best performance of the season some of their passing and moving was top drawer and cut through the Guiseley defence time after time and it wasn’t long before City increased their lead with a typical Clare Fawcett goal. Weaving her magic on the edge of the area in and out of the Guiseley players and slotting the ball into the back of the net.  The hard working Whitney Taiwo had to leave the field of play after picking up an injury which gave Kirsty Russell a good opportunity to get a good run out after her absence from the club. Clare Fawcett doubled her tally and as the clock ticked away this match was as good as won. City made two more changes with 20 minutes to go. Mel Garside handed over the captains arm band to Becky Griggs, Chelsey Faulkner moved up front and Mel Cropp and Kerrie Zserdicky came on in denfence to see the game through. City scored once more with a great header from Sarah Dickens and Guiseley got a well deserved consolation goal near the end for their never give up attitude. Match point was awarded to Whitney Taiwo for her endless work rate, her great strike on goal, setting up the second and playing through her injury as long as she could stand the pain.

GuiseleyCC151109/kr151109.jpg
City players closing down.

8th November 2009
(FA Cup)
Stockport County   1-1    Bradford City
                   3-1  A.E.T

mg560.jpg

FACup2009/9.jpg FACup2009/6.jpg FACup2009/21.jpg FACup2009/8.jpg
FACup2009/5.jpg FACup2009/7.jpg FACup2009/4.jpg FACup2009/22.jpg
FACup2009/20.jpg FACup2009/3.jpg FACup2009/23.jpg FACup2009/16.jpg
FACup2009/15.jpg FACup2009/19.jpg FACup2009/18.jpg FACup2009/17.jpg
FACup2009/14.jpg FACup2009/11.jpg FACup2009/13.jpg FACup2009/10.jpg
FACup2009/12.jpg FACup2009/2.jpg FACup2009/1.jpg

City played in the FA Cup at the weekend away to Stockport County and after 90 minutes of exciting football the tie went to extra time. City took the lead in the first half with a perfect through ball from charlotte Stuart to Mel Garside who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net. City held on to this valuable lead up until the 55th minute when a misjudgement from the City keeper allowed a 25 yard low shot slip inside the post as the rest of the players stood and watched in shock as the keeper thought it was going wide. The game was end to end and went to the 90th minute ending 1-1. Extra time was played and again the first half ended honours even but stockport County broke the dead lock with a well taken free kick which beat the stranded keeper. City never gave up but as the clock ticked away they conceeded a penalty for hand ball and the game ended 3-1. All the City players played exceptionally well in this tie and were very unlucky not to continue onto the next round. Alice Thackray picked up the match point award for an outstanding performance but it has to be mentioned that all the squad who made the trip to Stockport played there part in a very good team performance.

25th October 2009
(League)
Liverpool Feds   6-0    Bradford City

liverpool251009/bg251009.jpg
Becky Griggs in action against Liverpool Feds.

City travelled to Liverpool Feds at the weekend in the know that it was going to be a tough fixture and to make matters worse they went behind on the 9th minute and went down to 10 players after a mistimed tackle from keeper Jess Mallison, in the 19th minute. City held out to half time without the score line changing but were put under lots of pressure due to their pace and passing ability. The second half saw Whitney Taiwo replace Mel Garside up front in the hope of stealing a goal on the break and Clare Fawcett dropped into midfield to try and restrict the opposition creating scoring chances as they were threatening in the first half. But unfortunately the second half can only be described as a disaster . City’s work rate dropped, their marking was nonexistent and too many individuals played below par. There were some good performances in parts from Faye Boshell, Becky Griggs and Alice Thackray and very good performances from two late substitutes, Vicki Wood and Chelsey Faulkner. Not forgetting one outstanding save from the stand in keeper Becky Teale. But apart from these it has to be said it was poor. With the wind  and the sun behind them Liverpool out played the 10 players of City in every department, passing and moving through Bradford as if they weren’t even there. It was a very difficult ask of the Bradford team to salvage anything from this game as the opposition were far better than them on the day and they had a player more. Liverpool just bided their time and tore City apart and finished the game 6-0. City will have to lift their game for the return fixture to avoid another embarrassing result.

 
11th October 2009
(League)
        Bradford City   11-0    Darlington LFC
                                              Clare Fawcett 1,13,32,63.
                                                                    Whitney Taiwo 8,26,39.46.
                                                                    Charlotte Stuart 15.
                                                                    Chelsey Faulkner 35,68.

darlington111009/kz111009.jpg
After such a disappointing result last week against Blackpool, City’s response after a tough week of training and changes of personnel was faultless. Clare Fawcett and Whitney Taiwo welcomed the travelling  Darlington defence to City’s home ground with quick fired goals in the 1st and the 8th minute respectively. This silenced the Darlington team and City just continued as they started for the duration of the match and dominated the full 90 minutes. Stand in keeper, Becky Teale probably touched the ball less than a dozen times and half of these were back passes. Debutants Kerrie Zserdicky and Bryony Wraith couldn’t of had a better match to ease them into the 1St XI and both performed as naturals. The Back four consisting of Alice Thackray, Faye Boshell, Mel Cropp and Kerrie Zserdicky looked comfortable throughout and played the ball with ease along the back line time after time drawing in the Darlington players before pin pointing their passes to the City forwards. Sarah Dickens had another outstanding performance without netting this week but assisted in all four of Clare Fawcett’s goal tally. Citys central midfield of Vicki Wood and Chelsey Faulkner worked very hard in the middle of the park and didn’t give the Darlington players anytime to settle and played the ball all around the pitch to create attacks on both flanks and down the middle.
darlington111009/kz111009.jpg
Stand in skipper for the day was the ever hard working Charlotte Stuart who captained the team very well and took advantage of all the goal scoring opportunities by netting herself on the fifthtenth minute. Both the forth and fifth goals came form City’s young and very impressive new signing Whitney Taiwo. This capped off her hat-trick in the first half and two minutes later Clare Fawcett hit home her own Hat-trick with quick feet and bags of confidence. The hard working Chelsey Faulkner wasn’t going to be left out and joined in the first half goal flurry which left the Darlington players shell shocked at half time going in 8-0 down.
darlington111009/kz111009.jpg
City started the second half in very much the same tempo and Whitney Tawio netted in the first minute after some good work down the left flank between Kerrie Zserdicky and Sarah Dickens. Charlotte Stuart who picked up a knock in the first half made way for Bryony Wraith minutes into the new half and played up front along side Clare Fawcett while Whitney Taiwo moved out wide. This was a good opportunity to gain good experience at this level and she didn’t look out of place coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Chelsey Faulkner scored her second on the 63rd minute and Clare Fawcett wrapped things up for City minutes later scoring her forth with a solo run cutting through the Darlington defence like a knife through butter, then smashed the ball past the stranded keeper. It was a very good performance from Bradford against a team that are struggling in the league this season but credit to the City players for keeping their concentration and preparing themselves for next weeks 1st round County Cup encounter against Harrogate Railway. Match point was awarded to Clare Fawcett for her constant pressure on the Darlington defence and scoring four good goals.

4th October 2009
(League)
Blackpool Wren Rovers LFC   2-2    Bradford City Womens FC
                                                                                                                                                Chelsey Faulkner 45.
                                                                                                                                                Becky Griggs 50.
                                       
                                   

Up one week, down the next!...............................

Disappointment for City as they failed to close the gap on the top 3 teams after yet another away score draw. Blackpool Rovers, currently bottom of the Northern combinations league put up a good fight and due to a couple of players carrying niggling injuries and handful of players appearing to be disinterested City went behind twice but managed to scramble back equalisers on both occasions.

    Everything that could have gone wrong in the week did go wrong. Team changes within 24 hours of travelling, last minute illnesses, gambling on injuries that back fired, players carrying injuries worse than players admitting to and to top it off a small minority of the squad that travelled all the way to Blackpool just weren’t up for it.

  On the positive notes, City started with the same formation as last week’s winning starting formation  with just the one personnel change in Kirsty Russell who stepped in for Whitney Taiwo who unfortunately fell ill the morning of the game. This wasn’t going to be a problem as Kirsty Russell is a well established forward but due to a gamble with Mel Garside’s injury problem the front 3  changed again with City having to make their first substitution of the day within the first 8 minutes of the kick off. In stepped Chelsey Faulkner who was drafted in from the reserves the night before who showed the first team players just how you should perform if selected for the 1st XI. On the 20 minute mark Blackpool scored with a superb strike well outside the area after the City midfield failed to shut down, but it didn’t help that the official in charge for the day, and not for the first time, stood in the way and acted as a wall between the strike and the City keeper, Becky Teale who didn’t stand a chance of saving for both of the latter. A great strike and her vision being blocked by the official! City didn’t panic because player for player they looked the most comfortable despite some players reserving energy for most of the half. Alice Thackray kept the score line down by making 2 goal line blocks within a minute of each other as Blackpool were hungry to increase their lead with some of the City players looking a little laid back at times. This brought a change to the formation dropping Clare Fawcett back into midfield, playing a 442 which allowed Charlotte Stuart and Sarah Dickens to play in their more familiar rolls out wide. With a minute of the half to go City pulled level with a superb ball from Sarah Dickens who had just tracked back to help out the struggling Caz Cropp at left back, after drawing in the Blackpool midfield she unleashed the ball down the left side allowing the ever running Chelsey Faulkner to show off her speed and ability as a forward who turned the right back on the halfway line and ran with the ball the entire half of the pitch and slotted it past the out stretched Blackpool keeper. Half time was called and City Brought on Faye Boshell into the centre of defence and Mel Cropp moved over to left back in place of the injured Caz Cropp. Clare Fawcett was then promoted to play up front with Chelsey Faulkner and Kirsty Russell dropped back into her familiar position of centre midfield. The team looked a bit more settled but tempers started to flare some what after the officials failed to book Blackpool players for deliberate foul play on more than one occasion which then brought on patronising dictatorship from the official if and when questions were asked. This is a common occurrence in Women’s football and I am just so pleased that the Leagues Official for Referees was present to witness such events because it needs stamping out. City’s Charlotte Stuart was singled out on more than one occasion in the match and was put under so much pressure as not to get carded because of the threats from the officials to keep quiet. This disturbs the way players play and it was happening a bit too much in this game. After such an incident, Blackpool caught City napping and broke down the left side early in the half and managed to get the ball across into the danger area and City’s centre back failed to get goal side of the goal bound forward who managed to slot the ball into the net despite a very brave low dive from City’s stand in keeper, Becky Teale. City Calmed down and started to play some nice football and didn’t panic at all. They knew deep down that they were the better team on the day and that they could and would get back into this game. And 5 minutes later they did. Their every increasing pressure was just too much for Blackpool who failed to clear a corner to safety and the ball fell to City’s Becky Griggs who spun and struck the ball into the back of the net. 2-2 with loads of time left and City started to apply constant  pressure on a Blackpool Team who were having to defend for their lives, hoping to salvage a point and at the final whistle they did just that. This felt like a loss for the City players and with what went on before and during the days events it looks like change is needed to get this team playing more consistently to a higher level  of ability that their squad  do posses. Alice Thackray and Chelsey Faulkner picked up match point awards in this encounter who were a credit to their manager, team and the club for their efforts.

27th September 2009
    (League)
Bradford City   7-3   Tranmere LFC
                                       Sarah Dickens(2)
                                       Clare Fawcett(2)
                                       Charlotte Stuart
                                       Mel Garside
                                       Kirsty Russell
rochdale200909/vw270909.jpg
Sarah Dickens opened City's account with a thunderous free kick
After last week’s  disappointing display City bounced back and took their frustrations out on Tranmere. Setting their sights on attacking from the start, City played with 3 up front and 3 in midfield and opened the scoring on the 8th minute with a well struck free kick from Sarah Dickens.  This early goal was a massive adrenaline injection for the players who applied loads of pressure on the Tranmere back four with great runs from Whitney Taiwo, Clare Fawcett and Mel Garside. Fawcett made it 2 for City as she broke through the offside trap and calmly placed the ball past the keeper. Tranmere didn’t give up easily as they threatened the City goals with some well taken corners but the back four of Alice Thackray, Vicki Wood, Mel Cropp and Caroline Cropp were well organised and dealt with everything thrown at them.  Sadly just 15 minutes into the game the City Keeper, Amy Larner, had to vacate her position after pulling a thigh muscle. Thankfully City had a superb replacement on hand in Becky Teale who took the jersey and the gloves like a fish to water. City continued to dominate the half and the midfield trio of Sarah Dickens, Becky Griggs and Charlotte Stuart worked their magic and didn’t give Tranmere any time to settle and assisted in scoring and setting up more goals before the half time whistle. Charlotte Stuart ended her goal drought when a header from a City corner landed nicely at her feet and she struck the ball into the back of the net. Sarah Dickens netted her second of the day from a well worked free kick after the Tranmere keeper picked up a back pass, then Mel Garside added to her seasons tally making the score line 5-0 at the break. City came out unchanged for the second half and continued to dominate but struggled to add to the total. Whitney Taiwo had a great game and came so close to opening her City account but it wasn’t  to be her day. Clare Fawcett made it 6 in the 60th minute which was probably one of the better goals on the day. The ball was played out from Becky Teale, the stand in Keeper, to Caz Cropp, who in turn feed it through to Sarah Dickens who found the feet of Mel Garside on the half way line who then delivered a superb reverse ball into the path of Fawcett who timed her run to perfection and ran all the way to the oppositions area and smashed the ball home.
rochdale200909/vw270909.jpg
With 15 minutes remaining, City lost their shape for the first time and conceded 2 quick goals. The game was won by City but not before 2 additional goals were conceded. Kirsty Russell who replaced the injured Becky Griggs smashed home a 25 yard shot after the ball rolled across her path after a ricochet long distance shot from Charlotte Stuart. Tranmere got a consolation goal near the death as the City players celebrated their win on the final whistle. Match Point was awarded to Sarah Dickens and Becky Teale.
.

                                                            20th September 2009
                                                                       (League)
                                               Bradford City   1-8   Rochdale LFC
                                                               Clare Fawcett

Rochdale showed their superiority at City’s home ground at the weekend when they caused carnage from the starting whistle and put the City players to the sword for 90 gruelling minutes. Despite City being without their top goal scorer Melanie Garside, they had no excuses for such a poor display as they have a large squad and were all available for selection. Rochdale set out to hit Bradford hard and quick to catch them out and to frustrate them from the start and their plan worked. After scoring in the first 3 minutes from a corner awarded after a blatant offside was missed by the officials City felt very hard done by and some of the players fell into the common trap of switching off. Rochdale kept up their forceful attacks time and time again and hit the back of the City net 3 times in 20 minutes. It looked like the onslaught was going to be non-stop and possibly double figures unless City could lift themselves.
rochdale200909/goal200909.jpg
City slowed down the Rochdale attacks and started to counter attack at every opportunity and managed to get in behind their defence on a few occasions coming close to reducing the score line. Amy Parker came close, but the ball was struck and continued to rise above the cross bar. Minutes Later Sarah Dickens found herself in a one on one with the keeper but the ball was hit straight at her ricocheting for a corner.  City struggled to convert and Rochdale finished off the first half with a lead of 5-0.
rochdale200909/whitney200909.jpg
The score line wasn’t flattering as Rochdale played very well but City felt that if their chances had gone in and maybe a couple of the Rochdale goals could have been foiled, then things may have been different. It has to be said that a handful of the City players looked under par on the day and others were having to put in over time to compensate but they couldn’t stop the onslaught.
rochdale200909/whitney200909.jpg
Changes were made to try and salvage something from the match and good persistency from the front line of Whitney Taiwo, Amy Parker and Charlotte Stuart brought them a penalty for a shirt tug but City kept up their 100% record of penalty misses for the season and skied the ball over the bar. Rochdale continued to add to the tally through the second half and without some great defending from the every alert Alice Thackray it could quite easily of been more.
rochdale200909/whitney200909.jpg
City eventually started to put the Rochdale team under a little pressure in the closing minutes and shots from Whitney Taiwo and Amy Parker came close but it was Clare Fawcett who spoilt the Rochdale clean sheet by crashing home Citys only contribution to a 9 goal game.
rochdale200909/whitney200909.jpg
Despite the score, City had some players who never gave up and worked extremely hard for the 90 minutes and the outstanding player for Bradford who was awarded the match point was Charlotte Stuart who had a brilliant game.







.
13th September 2009
 (League)
Bradford City   0-1   South Durham
                                                             
websiteupdate0809/cffreek560.jpg
Match point winner Clare Fawcett came close in the dying minutes to levelling the score.

With this narrow defeat and all other results going against City, City slipped down the league table to 6th place this week. This was a wakeup call for City as they now realise that this season is not going to be a walk in the park. Any of the top 6 teams at this stage could win this league and City are going to have to step up a gear and let their football do the talking rather than their mouths if they want to be up there with a chance at the end of the season.  Overall the match was very evenly matched with both teams playing good football, both playing 5 in midfield waiting for opportunities to break the dead lock. The first half saw both team equal each other out in all departments but Amy Larner was called upon to keep the score line level when she pulled off her best save of the season to date, diving full stretch high and to her left to deny Durham taking the lead. South Durham also had a very good corner in their arsenal which was very effective, but City defended well and kept them at bay. However, City also came close to opening the scoring including chances from very well taken corners from City’s Clare Fawcett but at the end of a very tiring first half, the scores were level. After the half time break and team talk City kept the same 11 on and kept the same formation and hoped to steal the points from a set piece or a counter attack but it was flawed after City had to make 2 substitutions within 10 minutes of the half due to injured players. With the change of personnel City tried to quickly settle in again but got caught out by the Durham forwards who pounced through a wide open gap in the centre of the pitch and made a bee-line straight for goal and managed to beat the City keeper who got a hand to it but couldn’t stop it slipping inside the post. This was a massive disappointment for City but it also woke them up. For the remainder of the second half it was all out attack for City. Becky Teale, Mel Garside, Faye Boshell, Amy Parker and Clare Fawcett all came so close to levelling the scores but it wasn’t to be and a draw would have been a fair result but that’s football. City host Rochdale next week and look for revenge on their upset from this week. Match point was awarded to Clare Fawcett for her constant hard work throughout the 90 minutes.

 
                                                               6th September 2009
                                                                        (League)
                                                 Bradford City   8-2   Scunthorpe Utd
                                                              Melanie Garside 19,31,64.
                                                              Clare Fawcett 24.
                                                              Kirsty Russell 25.
                                                              Sarah Dickens 45.
                                                              Alice Thackray 89.
                                                              Amy Parker 90+1.
websiteupdate0809/od2060909.jpg
Mel Garside chalked up another hat-trick in City’s 8-2 victory over Scunthorpe United at the weekend. City played with wing backs in a plot to overpower Scunthorpe in their first home fixture of the season and it went like clockwork. Alice Thackray and Sarah Dickens worked their socks off up and down the flanks and with good assistance from the hard working midfield of Becky Griggs, Charlotte Stuart, Kirsty Russell and Clare Fawcett , City settled in quickly and dominate the first half. Mel Garside opened City’s account on the 19th minute with a well worked move comprising of 13 passes ending with Garside’s shot on goal. Thereafter the flood gates opened and City started to play some excellent football with precision timing and movement to get in behind the Scunthorpe defence creating 2 one on ones with the Scunthorpe keeper extending the score to 3. It was Clare Fawcett who broke through their offside trap first, calmly placing the ball into the bottom right hand side of the net. Two minutes later a similar move set up Kirsty Russell who also calmly placed the ball past the stranded Scunthorpe keeper. City kept the pressure on for the whole of the first half and Garside netted her second and Sarah Dickens scored right on the stroke of half time leaving Scunthorpe shell shocked going in 5 nil down. The second half saw a slight change to the formation to allow Thackray and Dickens to recharge their batteries after a great first half performance. Bringing them into orthodox left and right back positions and Vicki Wood moved into midfield.  The pace of the game slowed down, but City still looked to be in full control. 5 minutes into the second half Olivia Duxbury came on for Russell to give an extra option to the left side and new comer Whitney Taiwo came on for Melanie Cropp at right back. Due to the changes made City started to look a little complacent. After looking solid in all departments the players had to settle all over again. This allowed Scunthorpe to get back into the game, but Garside galvanised the team again after netting her 3rd of the day on the 63rd minute. Credit has to be given to the defensive throughout this game with solid performances from Vicki Wood Mel Cropp, Faye Boshell and keeper Amy Larner who looks more confident each week but the players lost their concentration after a brilliant goal line clearance from Charlotte Stuart was ruled to have gone over the line by a linesman who wasn’t even in line with play. This upset the City players who were trying not to concede and minutes later allowed their guard to slip and Scunthorpe doubled their tally. City had to re-group and Amy Parker came on to give Mel Garside a well earned rest and Whitney Taiwo joined Amy up front which gave City fresh and fast options in attack as Scunthorpe attempted to salvage something from the match by pushing more players on their front line. City’s tactics worked and Taiwo came close to scoring on debut as Scunthorpe started to wilt. City started to play the ball behind their tired defence and increased their lead. First of all Alice Thackray broke through after some good work from Charlotte Stuart and smashed the ball into the roof of the net as the keeper came towards her and minutes later in the dying seconds of the match Parker controlled a long ball over the top set her sights and  struck the ball with venom . The ball hit the keepers  gloves but the power of the shot was to powerful and landed in the back of the net. The final score was 8-2 and the match point was awarded to Charlotte Stuart whose work rate was supreme for 90 minutes. City are at home next week as the scheduled fixture has been reversed due to South Durham having a charity event on their home ground.
websiteupdate0809/od2060909.jpg
Charlotte Stuart sending in the crosses.
30th August 2009
(League)
Stockport County 1-1 Bradford City
                                           Melanie Garside 55
websiteupdate0809/mg300809.jpg
Bradford City's frustration continued at Stockport County as they came so close to securing a well deserved win when they were awarded a penalty kick in the dying seconds of the match, but it wasn't to be City's day yet again as the Stockport County Keeper guessed right and saved. The final whistle blew and the Bradford players felt robbed. Nevertheless, City are still unbeaten after their first 3 fixtures which have all been away fixtures. Looking at the results from the other matches in the league it looks like it is going to be a very tight season and when City's luck changes, hopefully they will be in and amongst the leaders throughout the campaign. City started off with a slightly changed look and formation with Vicki Wood stepping in for Mel Cropp and Charlotte Stuart starting for the missing Kirsty Russell. The first 5 minutes looked good for City as they appeared to settle in quickly but as the half evolved they got into a bit of a rut and went behind after 30 minutes as the Stockport players foiled the offside trap and slipped the ball past the outstretched Amy Larner. City got back into the game and came close several times from several well taken corners from Clare Fawcett but could not get the ball into the back of the net. The second half saw a change to the formation to attack Stockport down the flanks. Caz Cropp replaced Amy Parker taking over Sarah Dickens role at Left back while Sarah pushed up into her more familiar role out wide and Clare Fawcett moved up along side Mel Garside. Apart from one attack from Stockport in the second half which left the City Keeper slightly concussed having to leave the field of play replaced by Katie Suttron, City dominated the half and looked so much more comfortable and relaxed. Great runs down both flanks from Charlotte Stuart and Sarah Dickens exposed the Stockport defence time and time again. On the 55th minute Garside put City level from another well taken corner and City continued attacking the Stockport goal. Becky Griggs came close from a well taken free kick as did Sarah Dickens both forcing the Stockport keeper to save but it wasn't to be. With the penalty kick missed in the dying seconds City came away with a point and now turn their focus on playing at home next week for the first time this season. Match point was awarded to Sarah Dickens, who looks to improve in every match she plays. Well done Sarah.
websiteupdate0809/mg300809.jpg

23rd August 2009
(League)
Wakefield LFC 2-3 Bradford City
                                           Melanie Garside 10,73,87.

websiteupdate0809/cs230809shot.jpg

websiteupdate0809/cs230809shot.jpgOn a very hot muggy day City traveled to Wakefield for their second away fixture in a row to try and clear their frustration from last week with a win. Melanie Garside opened the scoring on the tenth minute and things started to look good for City. Despite the good start City did start to look tired in the middle of the park and Wakefield took advantage with a great strike from 30 yards out which levelled the score. Becky Griggs had to leave the field of play after twisting her ankle making way for Charlotte Stuart who moved onto the right of midfield and Becky Teale dropped back while City re-grouped. City were under pressure in the middle and Amy Parker dropped into midfield to match the Wakefield midfield and held out to the half time whistle. After a stern talking to at half time City picked up their game and slowly started to take control. Garside made it 2-1 on the 73rd minute with a great strike and the pressure eased as City felt they had the game in the bag until Wakefield had the rub of the green 5 minutes later against the run of play when a ricochet landed at the feet of a player who struck first time and hit the back of the City net giving Amy Larner no chance at all. City were stunned but didn't give up. The players knew they had it in them to steel the points, and Garside didn't disappoint. On the 87th minute she struck another goal bound shot which fooled the keeper into an error and City celebrated as the final whistle blew soon after. Still room for improvement but a good start to the season. Unbeaten with 4 points from 6 both away from home. Citys match point award was awarded to two players. Alice Thackray and Mel Garside.  City travel to Stockport County next week hoping to continue their good start to the new season.

websiteupdate0809/cs230809shot.jpg

16th August 2009

       (League)        

Salford   1-1  Bradford City

                                                                             Kirsty Russell  31

City kicked off their season at the weekend with a single point. Despite a solid performance from all the City players as individuals and as a team, City were denied maximum points because of an outstanding display of goalkeeping from the Salford keeper.
cf160809.jpg
Kirsty Russell opened the scoring on the 30th minute with a well worked move down the left involving Amy parker and Sarah Dickens. Russells thunderous volley from outside the area would have beaten most keepers up and down the country. The timing, pace and accuracy was top drawer. City should have made it 2-0 just 5 minutes later when they were awarded  a penalty for hand ball but the Salford keeper made a fine save.
mg160809.jpg
Then during the remaining 10 minutes of the half, City took their foot off the gas and allowed Salford to creep back into the match and had it not been for a fine diving save from Amy Larner, Salford would have drawn level.  Salford managed to draw level within the first couple of minutes into the second half. This was a bit of a  shock for City as they had dominated the match up until that point and didn’t actually do anything wrong when they did concede. It was just a route one type goal executed very well. It was actually a wake up call for City and they lifted their game and started creating goal scoring opportunities time and time again but the luck of the gods and some good goalkeeping denied them a winning goal.
bt160809.jpg

Overall an encouraging start to the season and to take a point away from home against last season’s  3rd placed team was satisfying. The ‘Powerminster Gleeson  Services’ Match point award was awarded to Becky Griggs for a solid performance throughout the 90 minutes. City looking good this season and travel to local rivals, Wakefield LFC next week.

Becky Griggs
becygriggs0809.jpg
Awarded the 'Powerminster-Gleeson Services' Match Point

 

 

 

2nd August 2009

(Friendly)

  Sheffield Wednesday  9-3  Bradford City WFC 

                                                                  Melanie Garside  (2)

                                                                  Amy Parker

City travelled to Sheffield Wednesday for their first pre-season friendly. This was an unscheduled fixture as Wednesdays official fixture had been cancelled. Wednesday who play in the Northern Premiership division had a very strong side but up until the final 15minutes, City held their own. The match was played over three 20 minute periods which Wednesday came out on top in all three . 1-0, 5-2 and 9-3.  It was a good run out for City who take on Donny Belles next week and then the following week start their 2009/10 league campaign and things look very promising.   

2008/09 Match Reports and Stats

26th April 2009

  Bradford City WFC  4-1  Peterlee Town LFC

                          Kirsty Russell  (2) 

                          Jessica Pearson 

                          Mel Garside

 

Bradford City finished their season on a high note after beating Peterlee Town 4-1 at home. City fell behind in the first half but that was Citys wake up call. Bradford lifted their game and it wasn’t long before Kirsty Russell equalised with a fine header after Charlotte Stuart delivered an excellent cross. The second half saw some changes with Vicki Wood and Clare Fawcett making way for Mel Garside and Olivia Duxbury and it wasn't long before City took the lead with a clever free kick from Russell. Pouncing on an opportunity to catch out the Peterlee players by cheekily placing the ball towards the open net which Mel Garside stepped over to fool the keeper and the ball crept over the line. City were now in the driving seat and started to relax and enjoy their football. Rosie Havelin and Charlotte Stuart put in exceptional performances throughout the match and Mel Garside and Kirsty Russell caused lots of problems for the Peterlee defence. Citys left back Jessica Pearson made it 3 for City in the 74th minute after anticipating a loose ball at the back post from a corner and Mel Garside sealed the win with Citys forth 10 minutes from time. Amy Parker came on and nearly made it 5 but the Peterlee keeper who had an exceptional game dived full stretch to her left to force a corner from Amy’s cracking shot which was struck from outside the area and was heading into the top right corner. The game ended 4-1 to City and looking back at this season, City know they should have done better than finishing below halfway in the league. The PHC Match point award was awarded to Kirsty Russell.

 
mg260409.jpg
Mel Garside

od2604092.jpg
Olivia Duxbury

 

22nd April 2009

  Bradford City WFC  2-0  Morley Spurs

                          Kirsty Russell    32

                          Becky Griggs    42

 

Honours even as City pull out all the stops to secure their place in the Northern Combinations League with a solid performance against Morley beating them 2-0 at home.

Exceptional performances from the whole squad today but the Principle Healthcare Match Point award was awarded to Charlotte Stuart, after her return from injury she displayed one of her best performances of the season.

City can now look forward to their final match of the season against Peterlee Town this Sunday.

 

 

 

19th April 2009

Middlesbrough  4-0  Bradford City WFC  

 

On a fantastic pitch and a fine summers like day City got it all wrong yet again. With frustration levels at their highest this season and in tempers rising amongst the players, City need to get their heads together for the final 2 games of the season and concentrate on securing their place in this league!  Despite certain individuals losing their heads, other did put in a lot of effort to try and salvage some pride and the Match point award was awarded to Kirsty Russell for her tiered less efforts in the heat.

 

 

16th April 2009

Morley Spurs  3-2  Bradford City WFC  

 

Bitter pill to swollow after leading on two occasions in this local derby which City should have one. Now the pressures on to stay in the NCL

 

 

12th April 2009

Bradford City WFC  0-5  West Auckland

 

A lesson learnt in never taking any games for granted!

                              

5th April 2009

Bradford City WFC  3-1  Stockport County

                               Clare Fawcett 50.

                               Mel Garside  60,74

 

 

City’s new look starting line up was a bit of a shock to some players but in the end it paid dividends. After some home truths were discussed 15minutes before kick off relating to the last 5 match day stats, players realised that they had to perform today and trust the line up that the manager had handed out. Debutant Amy Larner started in goals for City this week with a solid looking back four of Caz Cropp, Vicki Wood, Faye Boshell and Aimee Driver. Backed up with a very strong looking midfield, starting with Becky Griggs out on the right, Becky Teale and Kirsty Russell in the centre and Olivia Duxbury out on the left. Last but not least the long awaited re-united strike duo of Mel Garside and Clare Fawcett. With five subs on hand and an excellent fan base gathered (due to reserves not playing) The atmosphere was great and expectations high. The first 8-10 minutes witnessed City dominating play coming so close to opening the score line on several occasions. This gave the players a lot of confidence and settled in quickly. Despite a good start, City fell behind from a counter attack after failing to shut down in their own area, but heads stayed high because of the strong start despite the first half ending 1-0 to the away team, City were confident to turn things around. No changes at half time but during the break the management pointed out the positives and the negatives and reminded players that there were five good subs on the bench and therefore, get it right or get off. The City players took to the field for the start of the second half and what followed was the best performance of the season so far. Clare Fawcett scored a blistering right footed shot from outside the area to pull level after just 5 minutes and thereafter City never looked like losing. With Becky Teale and Kirsty Russell dominating the centre of the park and picking out players all round the pitch to keep possession both wide players started to play a big part in the come back. Becky Griggs kept finding herself in loads of space and when the ball arrived she put some fantastic through balls to the ever running strike duo. One of which put Mel Garside through who was not going to be out done by her fellow striker and put City in front after a copy cat strike. Confidence was sky high and the players actually started to look as if they were enjoying themselves for the first time this season. The back four looked solid, with Vicki Wood and Faye Boshell having a great understanding between each other keeping Stockport at Bay. Both Aimee Driver and Caroline Cropp also played their best football this season, finding players and supporting throughout the game. City put the game out of reach for Stockport after Mel Garside netted her 2nd and City’s third in the 72nd minute and the players knew that this was there day. The final whistle blew and the players, managers and supporters were delighted. Next week City play West Auckland at home and are egger to continue from where they left off and finish the rest of the season on a high.

 

 

29th March 2009

Bradford City WFC  0-1  Scunthorpe

                            

Match point awarded to Vicki Wood & Caroline Cropp

Another frustrating day at the City ground. Bradford have to start winning to avoid dropping into the danger zone. It would be fair to say that City did dominate this game but Scunthorpe defended very well getting many bodies behind the ball. City’s next opponents are Stockport County and are looking for revenge after a flattering win for the home side 4 weeks ago. Match points were awarded to Caroline Cropp and Vicki Wood.

ad280290309.jpg
Aimee Driver
jp280290309.jpg
Jess Pearson
Becky Teale
bt280290309.jpg
Vicki Wood
vw280290309.jpg

22nd March 2009

Bradford City WFC  1-5  Rochdale Ladies

                           Clare Fawcett 89min      

 

Match point awarded to Chelsey Faulkner       

15th March 2009

Stockport County LFC  4-1  Bradford City WFC

                                                                                  Rosie Havelin(42)

 

Bradford City travelled to Stockport County at the weekend to do battle against a team that was out for revenge after City knocked them out of the FA Cup earlier in the season. Stockport County play their home games on a artificial surface which is a massive advantage to them but on the day the first half should have seen City 3-1 up if they had of taken their chances and put the game out of reach. But because chances were missed it was level at the halfway stage(1-1) and Stockport knew they had been let off. But the second half was easily won by Stockport after 2 quick goals after just 10 minutes, which shell shocked the City players who couldn't lift themselves for the remainder of the game and conceded another just before the final whistle. Overall Stockport deserved the win  but the score line was a bit flattering considering what might have been.  Yet again another game of if's and but's. But if you watched the match you would understand the players and coaches frustration!

                                                                   

stockport150309.jpg
Becky Griggs in action.

 

1st March 2009

Blackpool Wren Rovers 1-2  Bradford City WFC

                                                OG (57)        Olivia Duxbury (7)

                                                                    Kirsty Russell (65) 

 

After a 3 month break from the league programme due to poor weather, Bradford City were looking forward to the trip to the west coast to play against the in form Blackpool Wren Rovers, who were above City in the table. The team atmosphere at the meeting point was very good and the players were looking forward to a long awaited league fixture. The travelling squad was somewhat different to past matches due to a number of squad players not knowing if they want to play for City or not. So the manager who has been trying so hard all season to get a settled side picked players from the reserve team who he had worked with in the past and knew he could rely on. On arrival the City players had a good chat in the changing room before taking to the ground for a good warm up, the mood amongst the players was excellent, helped by travelling reserve players and supporters who helped out through the day.  The weather was good and the pitch in excellent condition. City lost the toss and started the match bang on 2pm. The first 5 minutes saw both teams struggling to settle and cancelling each other out until Olivia Duxbury latched on to a sweet volley from Kirsty Russell which

split the defence in two. The original ball had started with the City keeper, Steph Barraclough who launched the high ball, which was then casually flicked on by the City Skipper Becky Griggs on to the head of Amy parker who with pin point accuracy found Kirsty who in-turn played Olivia through for a one on one situation with the Blackpool Keeper. There was only one winner. As the ball past the stranded keeper and came to rest in the back of the net. City were delighted. Nerves disappeared from the players and started playing like a team who wanted

to win. The back four of Caroline Cropp, Faye Boshell, Jess Pearson and Charlotte Stuart soon got to grips with the Blackpool forwards and the through ball that they constantly put through trying to beat the offside trap, but City were just to good to fall for this with good back up from Steph in goal. The score line remained 1-0 to City at the half time interval but a change had to be made just before the whistle as Amy Parker limped off the field of play with a sore Achilles tendon and was replaced with Chelsey Faulkner. The second half witnessed chances at both ends but with the ever growing confidence of City’s wide players Olivia Duxbury and Chloe Moore the Bradford midfield started feeding the ball

 wide and exploited the Blackpool defence time and time again and the crosses started to find the newly formed partnership of Chelsey Faulkner and

Kirsty Russell who came close to increasing the lead on several occasions, but just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. The tell tale signs of fatigue started to show on the City players having not played for such a long time, Olivia Duxbury was cramping up, Becky Griggs was battling against a painful injured foot and the ever hard working Rosie Havelin had also been in the wars harbouring a bruised hip. This was a concern for the management but the girls fought their pain and showed their metal. On the hour mark the City players went into shock after an offside decision went against them when a through ball deflected off Faye Boshell towards the offside Blackpool Striker who turned and ran with the ball as the referee shouted play on after screams of offside from the City players and coach. Faye recovered well to make a gallant sliding tackle only to see the ball slide past the on coming City keeper into the back of her own net. This was a mistake by the official and to make matters worse the linesman had his flag up! This decision angered the City players but paid dividends in the end as it sparked off an extra leash of life amongst all the team. City threw everything they had left in their legs forward to try and salvage the 3 points that they deserved. Becky Griggs had gone her distance for the game and had to hobble off the pitch and Vicki Wood took the field to shore up the midfield and on the 65th minute Kirsty Russell who was having a terrific game up front, struck a 30 yard right footed shot on the turn from a Caroline Cropp throw which smashed into the top corner of the Blackpool net. Delight, joy and relief showed throughout the whole team. City held on to their lead and hearing the final whistle was a welcoming sound. Even thou all the players worked hard and played extremely well the match point was awarded to Olivia Duxbury for her dazzling display on the left flank.

    Well done girls.

Special Thanks to Larny for all her helpful tips and goalkeeping training on the day. We couldn’t have done it without you!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18th January 2009

County Cup 3rd Round

Leeds City Vixens  6-1  Bradford City WFC

                                                               Aimee Driver 70.

Bradford City were knocked out of the County Cup in the third round at the weekend by a team that are just to good for them. Leeds City Vixens are currently top of the Northern Combination League with a 100% winning record and beating most teams with extreme ease. Bradford have now played and lost against Vixens four times this season, twice in the league, the FA cup and now the County Cup. The task in front of City was hard enough being drawn against such a strong team but It didn't help City that the last time they played a competitive game of football was nearly 8 weeks ago and they struggled to play as well as they can play. With just the league fixtures left this season, City must re-group and bounce back. They have no more distractions in front of them and must start playing with a bit more bite and pride to finish the league in a respectable position. 

30th November 2008

League

Salford Village LFC  2-1  Bradford City WFC

 

No Report

 

23rd November 2008

FA Cup 2nd Round

Leeds City Vixens  6-4  Bradford City WFC

                           Vicki Wood 12

  Kirsty Russell 27.                                             

Clare Fawcett 37.                                            

Emmie Kinnear 78.                                        

 

After taking a 2-0 lead in the first 17 minutes and then leading 3-1 with 8 minutes to the end of the first half Bradford looked in control of this match and must have felt they were going to finally beat the Vixens this season to go through to the next round of the FA Cup. But..............It wasn't to be. Vixens had the luck of the gods for that 8 minutes. One offside decision that went their way saw them reduce the margin to 3-2. Then a free kick decision just outside City's area saw them head home and bring the scores level, and to finish the half they managed to get away a well worked short corner which resulted in a good goal just on the stroke of half time. 4-3 to Vixens and Bradford were shell shocked. At the interval Bradford's skipper, Becky Griggs who had been carrying an ankle injury throughout the first half had decided that enough was enough. She was in a lot of pain and could not continue. Caroline Cropp came on at left back and Jess Pearson joined Faye Boshell in the middle of the defence for the start of the second half. Bradford knew that they had to dig deep to get back into this game and despite Vixens scoring a fifth goal which was another dampener for City as they watched the ball rebound over the line off a Vixen player from a goal line clearance from a corner. In the 75th minute Emmie Kinnear gave City a fighting chance scoring Bradford’s forth. But  Bradford had to take the game to Vixens and pushed players forward but just didn't get the luck they needed to pull level. The back 3 of Cropp, Boshell and Pearson played extremely well against a very fast and strong Vixen front line and with the ever hard -working midfield of Charlotte Stuart, Kirsty Russell, Roisin Havelin, Sarah Dickens and Vicki Wood Bradford were very unlucky not to draw level. Vixens scored their 6th goal in the dying minute with a long ball over the top beating Bradford’s offside trap which again was a bitter pill to swallow after Boshell’s sliding tackle and a brave one on one save from Steph Barraclough saw the ball ricochet against the attacking forward and the momentum saw the ball trickle over the line off the post.

Bradford's front line can't go without a mention. Clare Fawcett and Emmie Kinnear ran and ran for the duration of the game and caused the Vixen defence a lot of problems, but as mentioned on a few occasions in this report, just didn't get the rub of the green. All Bradford's goals, were well worked and well earned. Vicki Wood slotted the first one past the stranded Vixen's keeper after creating good space to receive the cross, the second was a special one. A cracking 36 yard lob from Kirsty Russell to the delight of all the City players. Clare Fawcett made it 3 from a great run dissecting the defence and again placing it as easy as you like past the stranded keeper. The forth came from Emmie Kinnear, who never gave up a chase to beat the Vixens defender and goalkeeper to a through ball and calmly chipped it over the line. A great performance from the Bradford girls and they can hold their heads high. Well done but bad luck girls. The Club should be proud of you. Match point was awarded to Rosie Havelin for her constant running and tackling in the centre of City's midfield. The game was played in good spirit between two very good teams and Bradford would like to wish Vixens all the best in the next round.

 

 

                                 

16th November 2008

COUNTY CUP 1st Round

Ossett Albion Res.  0-18  Bradford City WFC 

                                                                                            Sarah Dickens: 2,59,65
                                                                                            
Kirsty Russell  12,30,51.

                                                                                            Clare Fawcett  14,27,52,66,70,82.  

                                                                                            Vicki Wood  16. 
                                                                                            
Amy Parker  23,36.

                                                                                            Becky Griggs  53,57.
                                                                                            
Rosie Havelin  87.

 

Hat-tricks all round

 

vw161108560.jpg

Bradford City played newly formed Ossett Albion Reserves in the 1st round of the County Cup on Sunday and the final score tells the story.  Before the draw I was wondering why the County had allowed reserve teams to compete in such a competition this season, and I hope now they re-think for new season. The gap between performance levels was far to high for both teams to either learn anything or enjoy as far as I’m concerned. Nevertheless, despite my comments the Ossett Albion players and their coach were an absolute credit to the women’s game. They arrived keen, friendly and excited,  played the entire 90 minutes as keen as when they first arrived, with great spirit with a great sportsman’s like attitude and were very gracious in defeat. I’d like to thank them all for praising all our girls after the game and to wish them all the best during the rest of their season. Well done Ossett.

ek161108.jpg

Bradford City’s performance was very difficult to judge but overall their passing game looked very sharp and their crossing looked better than ever. That’s one positive they can take into Sunday’s match when they meet Vixens in the next round of the FA cup.         

 

         City’s goal machine, Clare Fawcett scored a double hat-trick, Kirsty Russell and Sarah Dickens both found good form scoring hat-tricks as well with Amy Parker and Becky Griggs each netting twice and last but not least Vicki Wood and Roise Havlin added to the total. Special mention’s to City’s Chloe Moore who had a very good game on the right hand side,  putting in inch perfect crosses for the forwards and to City’s keeper Amy Larner who kept a clean sheet. Amy didn’t have a busy day at the office but the times when she was called upon she dealt with it faultlessly which earned her the PHC match point award. Once again, thank you to the Ossett Albion players and coach for their kind comments after the match and friendly manner.

 

9th November 2008

FA CUP 1st Round proper

Stockport County  0-1  Bradford City WFC

                                                                                         Griggs (89pen)  

 

City travelled to Stockport County to open their account in the FA Cup. It was remembrance Sunday and after a minutes silence, the battle commenced. The weather was shocking the surface was 3g but the game was a joy to watch. City started off playing four across the back four in midfield and dropped one player between and one up front. After 15 minutes they reverted to a 442 and settled in nicely. With the wind in their face and a speedy surface City played some good football and Stockport matched them. It was end to end but without any final product for both teams. Both keepers did not have saves to make. The second half saw City do what Stockport couldn’t do, which was play the ball through or over the top without it whizzing off the surface for a goal kick and Stockport started to feel the pressure from City build up. City camped in the Stockport half for the majority of the second half and it was rewarded in the last minute of normal time when Becky Griggs calmly placed the ball in the back of the net from the penalty spot which was awarded for hand ball. After 5 minutes of injury time the whistle finally blew and the City players celebrated their victory with a loud cheer from Vicki Wood. Smiles were back on the City faces after a couple of recent poor results and all the players looked happy in the roles during the match but the match point award was awarded to Faye Boshell for a solid performance at centre back. Well done girls

cf560.jpg
Clare Fawcett wins the ball from the corner.
pen2560.jpg

2nd November 2008

Bradford City WFC 1-3 Leeds City Vixens  

                          Driver 39   

 

Despite going in front City couldn't hang on against the very strong League leaders, Leeds City Vixens. Aimee Driver headed home for City in the 39th minute putting the home team in front, but Vixens reply was 2 in 5 minutes before the half ended. The match was a well fought contest between two good teams but the better team won on the day in this local Derby affair. City had their chances to equalize but didn't get the rub of the green and Vixens made it 3 in the dying minutes to take the 3 points. Match point was awarded to City's Captain, Becky Griggs for a great defensive performance throughout the 90 minutes.

 

19th October 2008

Scunthorpe United LFC  2-2  Bradford City WFC

                                                                     Fawcett 65

                                                                                         Havelin 75

 

City travelled to Scunthorpe on Sunday hoping to bounce back after their disappointing result against West Auckland two weeks ago. With a few changes to the team to try and help improve the team's performance, the end result was mixed. The passing was good and individuals did their job well but the score line at the final whistle didn't tell the full story. Despite falling behind in the first half, City had the better of Scunthorpe but just could not finish. In the second half Clare Fawcett pulled one back and 10 minutes later Rosie Havelin gave City the lead and all appeared to be going well. In fact only 5 minutes later City were awarded a penalty after Faye Boshell was brought down en route to goal but failed to convert. City still had most of the play until a returned corner was guided into the back of their own net by a City player and brought Scunthorpe back level. This was a set back to say the least and to make matters worse for them they had a player sent off for a second yellow card which appeared very harsh indeed. Nevertheless, even with ten players it always looked as though City could and should have taken 3 points, but it wasn't to be. Hats off to the Scunthorpe players and management team who were great hosts on the day and played a very fair game. Which is a credit to the game. The only thing that spoilt the game which was agreed by both teams was the officials who appeared to treat the game far far too seriously, which led to far too many stoppages, and at times had players biting their lips shut to avoid saying something they may regret.  With referees asking for respect, which the majority of them do deserve, it was agreed by both teams that a few perhaps need to think what they are saying and how they say it to players during a match.
Match point was awarded to Charlotte Stuart who played a faultless 90 minutes at right back, mixing up her defensive skills with attacking runs down the wing.
charlottestuart0809.jpg
Charlotte Stuart

5th October 2008

West Auckland LFC  2-1  Bradford City WFC

                                                                    Fawcett 75.

 

Report to follow

28th September 2008

Rochdale AFC Ladies  1-4  Bradford City WFC

                                                                    Driver 29.

                                                                                        Fawcett 39, 68.

                                                                                        Havelin 81.

sb280908.jpg

Bradford travelled down the M62 at the weekend to take on league leaders Rochdale AFC Ladies. Rochdale hammered City 8-1 the last time they met and the’ve also had a very impressive start to this season having played 4 and won 4 with a very healthy goal difference. City knew they were going to be challenged in this game and started with a very defensive line up with just Clare Fawcett up front 5 in midfield and 4 at the back. City knew that if they could defend well against Rochdale’s goal scoring machines then they knew with players like Aimee Driver and Fawcett in the team they could counter attack and catch Rochdale out. They came out with a game plan embedded in their heads and stuck to it. City settled very quickly into their new formation and for the first 15 minutes the game was very evenly poised, but as anticipated the counter attacks paid off.

                           

kr280908.jpg
Russell booked for retaliation.
nm280908.jpg
After clearing their lines Fawcett gathered the ball from inside the City half and sprung a quick surprise ball over the Rochdale defence towards the corner flag for Driver to pounce on cat like and then Driver did what Driver does best, attacked the space, cut inside and toe poked it under the Rochdale keeper. City had rocked the boat and within 10 minutes doubled the lead with an inch perfect ball over the top from Sarah Dickens to line up Fawcett with a one on one situation with the keeper which she calmly put in the back of the net. Credit to Rochdale they didn’t give up. They played some good football but they couldn’t penetrate City’s defence. They were just too good. With fantastic understanding and communication between Steph Barraclough, the City keeper, and the fortress like defence of Caroline Cropp, Becky Griggs, Jess Pearson and Neely Murrell Rochdale just could not score.
cc280908.jpg
. Roisin Havelin  played just in front of the back 4 and played an outstanding role as a defensive central midfield player, Rosie’s positional sense gave her all the time she wanted on the ball and faultlessly distributed the ball to City players all round the park. 2-0 at the start of the second half and Rochdale weren’t going to lie down, they changed their formation and made changes to their line up. Playing 3 up front City had more to contend with but they coped admirably. Kirsty Russell and Sarah Dickens played in tandem in the centre of the park and Charlotte Stuart attacked the right flank time after time sending in dangerous crosses for the City forwards. The next goal was the important one, if Rochdale scored they would be right back in it and if City scored it would secure the points. On the 68th minute the next goal arrived and it was yet another blistering run from Fawcett latching onto the ball from a long kick from the City keeper. Fawcett kept her cool and volleyed City’s 3rd into the back of the Rochdale net.
cf280908.jpg

City still had lots to do and Steph Barraclough and the City defence defended as thou their lives depended on it. City wrapped up this match in the last 8 minutes with a 38 yard direct free kick by Havelin. She could not of struck the ball sweeter and it smashed in to the roof of the net to the delight of all the City players and management. Rochdale scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds and the score line ended 4-1 to City. City have now moved up into 4th place in the league and have sent out a warning sign to all the other teams. Clare Fawcett picked up the ‘Principle Healthcare’ match point award but on reflection of the afternoons game Rosie Havelin was also awarded a point as well. (But she doesn’t know this yet because no one has told her). Well done girls on a magical performance.

21st September 2008

Peterlee Town LFC  2-3  Bradford City WFC

                                                                       Fawcett  8, 56

                                                                                               Boshell 14

kr210908.jpg
City travelled to Peterlee Town at the weekend hoping to make amends after last weeks disappointing defeat against Blackpool Wrens. After the two hour trip City looked very relaxed and knew that nothing but 3 points was good enough to get them back into the running for the league. City kicked off and started sprightly looking very professional in their approach and startled the Peterlee players with their passing play and high percentage of possession in the opening 15minutes during which time City had put the ball past the Peterlee keeper twice.
cf2109083.jpg
The first was placed into the bottom right hand corner past the stranded keeper by Clare Fawcett who collected a through ball headed on from Faye Boshell from the City’s keeper Steph Barraclough. 6 minutes later Boshell was in the thick of it yet again converting an Aimee Driver cross with her head giving the keeper no chance at all. City looked very comfortable and should really of extended their lead on more than one occasion with Driver dominating the left flank and passing the Peterlee right back time and time again but their keeper saved well and frustrated Driver. The City midfield of Kirsty Russell and Sarah Binns worked their socks off and didn’t give the Peterlee players any time at all on the ball and won it back time after time setting up more goal scoring opportunities but City still couldn’t extend their lead. Charlotte Stuart worked the right wing hard and was assisted well by Caroline Cropp who’s attacking role as a right back suited her.
fb2109082.jpg
Cropp looked comfortable in her new role as did the rest of the City defence. Neely Murrell playing at left back shored up the left flank and the centre half’s Becky Griggs and Jess Pearson backed up by Barraclough in the net never looked under pressure, winning all the high balls and sweeping up the long ball. City conceded a goal against the run of play in the last minute of the first half through a solitary error in defence but City didn’t rock. With no changes at half time City started again where they left off attacking the Peterlee defence and within 5 minutes Clare Fawcett doubled her tally and put City 3-1 up after a good through ball from Charlotte Stuart created another one on one for Fawcett who calmly slipped the ball past the keeper. With nothing to lose Peterlee Town upped their game and threw players forward, attacking the wings and putting cross after cross into the City 18 yard area. The City defence stood firm but Barraclough was called upon a couple of times to save City and pulled of some fine saves. City took their foot of the gas a bit and started to look a little fatigued and in the 80th minute conceded another goal from a direct free kick taken near the corner flag, this would have been dealt with but for a slip in concentration from a defender not stepping up for an obvious offside decision.

The closing minutes became a little cagey and small errors and slight panicking creped into the game but City held out and deserved the 3 points. Overall it was a very good team effort but match points were awarded to Kirsty Russell for her constant hard work in the middle of the park and Clare Fawcett for her solo efforts, scoring two goals and setting Driver on her way to set up City’s second goal.

14th September 2008

Bradford City WFC  0-1  Blackpool Wrens LFC

kindly sponsored by

                                                    

                                                    

poolbankbuildingandroofing125.jpg
mix140908.jpg
cc150908.jpg
ek140908.jpg

BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE!

 

Bradford City’s league campaign was jolted at the weekend after losing 1-0 to Blackpool Wrens. Going on earlier results, City started as favourites but appeared to be a yard off the pace throughout the whole match. Blackpool Wren’s approached this match very professionally and never stopped working during the 90 minutes and there efforts paid off. City went behind in the 22min to a direct free kick which looped over the wall and over the stranded keeper into the roof of the net, and apart from that one shot, City’s defence defended really well and prevented any other danger. Equally the Blackpool defence were fortress like and kept City’s forwards at bay which caused a lot of frustration and tension amongst the City players. The best team won on the day and the atmosphere in the City changing room after the match knew they let themselves down. If City don’t start preparing mentally and physically before future matches and lift their game as individuals and as a team then they are going to have a long hard season to get through. City’s Principle Healthcare man of the match award was awarded to Dawn Lindley who put in yet another strong, faultless performance at the heart of the City defence. City travel away to Peterlee Town next Sunday and hopefully they can up their game and start to improve on their current league position.

 

 

31st August 2008

Bradford City WFC  3-1  Salford Village LFC

                                                     Sarah Binns (35)

                                                     Emmie Kinnear (55,67)

kindly sponsored by

 

herbalife100.jpg
jp3108082.jpg

cf3108082.jpg

Bradford City played hosts to unbeaten Salford Village LFC at Thackley at the weekend in what turned out to be a good win for City but was mard by incidents that football can do without.

 

City knew that if they wanted to do well this season, they had to beat opposition of this calibre. So the managers instructions were clear from the start…………..to rise above any nonsense and to concentrate on their own individual tasks throughout the game and the City players, each and everyone of them didn’t disappoint.

 

City’s game plan was jolted in the first 10 minutes when Salford converted a 35 yard free kick to take the lead. This should have been dealt with by the City keeper but unfortunately it was misjudged. City players kept their heads and settled into the game. The defence of Thackray, Lindly, Griggs and Pearson became a fortress and the Salford players became baffled as of how to break through or even get a shot on target. At the same time the dynamic midfield of Stuart, Havelin, Binns and Murrell started to boss the middle of the park and slowly but surly started to push the Salford players further and further back allowing the hard working duo of Fawcett and Boshell to start weaving their magic. It wasn’t long before City pulled one back with Sarah Binns unleashing an awesome 30 yard shot towards the Salford goal which gave the keeper no chance as she bent down to gather the shot, the next thing she knew it had gone straight through her legs into the back of the net.

 City had now settled in and started dictating the play, they showed great composure and could have gone in front from a couple of well taken corners from Neely Murrell but at the half time whistle the scores were level.

 

Faye Boshell was rested at half time with a niggling quad injury, Emmie Kinnear entered the fray and she shone like the morning sun on a summer’s morning. Starting with a well taken goal in the 55th minute to put City into the lead and thereafter linking up with the ever hard working Clare Fawcett petrifying the Salford defence time after time. The goal spurred on the City players and never looked like losing. City started to play some lovely passing football, getting behind the Salford defence again and again. City’s midfield appeared to have all the time in the world to pick out who and when to play the ball to and the body language was excellent. City weren’t going to let this game slip and they didn’t. In the 67th minute a spectacular goal from Emmie Kinnear was enough to give City 3 well earned points. The goal came down the right hand side helped over the stranded Salford defence with a lovely flighted ball from Charlotte Stuart which Kinnear pounced on like a lion, one touch forward, quick glance up, decision time………………..shoot or cross? No one in the area, sees the keeper slightly off her line…………shoots!  And what a shot, ricocheting into the roof of the net. Great goal. Delightful to watch.

 

All the City players deserved the PHC man of the match award for this display but it was awarded to Sarah Binns for a cool head and top drawer distribution throughout the game. Well done City.

ek3108082.jpg
Emmie Kinnear standing proud after the final whistle.

 

 

24th August 2008

Bradford City WFC  3-0  Middlesbrough LFC

                                                       Rosie Havelin 8.

                                                       Aimee Driver  22.

                                                       Faye Boshell  64.

Kindly sponsored by

mjdlogo150.jpg
240808cf.jpg
240808fb.jpg

Bradford City bounced back from last weeks heavy defeat beating Middlesbrough 3-0 at home on Sunday. Playing an attacking formation, City took the game to Brough from the start and never took their foot off the gas. New comer Rosie Havelin opened the scoring in the 8th minute sliding the ball past the on coming Brough keeper. Then in the 22nd minute Driver showed off her talent with a typical Driver run down the left flank, out pacing the Brough right back then cutting inside the area, a quick look up to set her sights then she pulled the trigger and curled a right footed strike round the keeper hitting the inside of the right post ending up in the back of the net. City continued attacking the Middlebrough goal throughout the first half and nearly added to their tally with a fine 25yard strike from Kirsty Russell smashing into the bar. In the second half, Middlesbrough made a couple of changes and started to play some better football and threatened the City goal on a couple of occasions but the City defence of Jess Pearson, Dawn Lindley, Alice Thackray and Goalkeeper Jess Mallison stood firm and kept the Brough attack at bay. City made some changes half way through the second half and changed to a 442 formation. Neely Murrell played on the left side and created several attacking runs for the City forwards with some great through balls. Then Sarah Binns dropped into the centre of midfield to give a well earned rest to Kirsty Russell. Clare Fawcett and Faye Boshell caused mayhem in the Middlesbrough defence all through the match and there efforts paid off when Fawcett went on a solo run down the left side of the pitch who then played an inch perfect ball across the goal mouth into the running path of Boshell who didn’t disappoint. Faye slid the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0 and it  put a lid on the game. City came close to making it four but it wasn’t to be and City picked up a well earned 3 points. Next week City are at home to Salford LFC. Match point went to Faye Boshell for her outstanding energy up front chasing down every ball and converting Fawcetts cross into the back of the net.

240808dl3.jpg

 

 

 

17th August 2008

Leeds City Vixens FC 5-1 Bradford City WFC

                                                                         Clare Fawcett (51)

 City travelled to Yorkshire Amateurs ground to play Leeds City Vixens for their opening match of the season. City knew that this was not going to be the easiest match of their long season but were confident to do well. The start of the match witnessed positive rehearsed passages of play from City with Becky Griggs commanding the centre of midfield and Charlotte Stuart dictating the play down the right flank putting in some great crosses but the strong attacking tactics from Leeds pushed City back into a very miss-matched defensive formation.  Leeds scored 2 goals in the first half which could have been avoided if City had of been better organised, but aside from the mistakes the City defence had an awful lot to deal with throughout the first 45 minutes and did work very hard. The half time chat corrected the formation that City had set out to play from the start and players started the second half more up beat. Within the first 10 minutes City pulled a goal back through a typical Clare Fawcett one on one and looked much more organised. For the first time in the match Vixens looked disturbed, but rather than lose their heads when they conceded  they appeared to up their game and threw everything and everyone forward. Using the wingers they quickly played the ball through to their speedy and alert forwards time and time again and within a passage of 15 minutes managed to net 3 times and destroy any hopes that City had of getting back into the match. City kept their heads high and played out the 90 minutes with pride and narrowly missed out on a couple a close chances to reduce the deficit but Vixens scored in the dying minutes to cap off a convincing win. If this is going to be the standard of football to come, then City need to pull their socks up and dig in to do well. City’s ‘Principle Healthcare’ Woman of the match award was awarded to Alice Thackray for her outstanding energy levels and timely tackles when needed. Faye Boshell came close with a great first half performance, after being asked by the coach to play centre back 5 minutes before kick off. City take on Middlesbrough next Sunday at home and can’t wait to correct the wrongs from this match.

www.bcwfc.co.uk