Bradford City Women opened the new FAWPL season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Derby County on Sunday afternoon.
An experienced side who enjoyed a strong transfer window over the summer, the Rams would prove to be too good for City on the day.
Samantha Griffiths’ 13th minute effort put the visitors ahead, and this lead was doubled just after half time by Nicole Dale.
Hannah Campbell won a penalty for City in their bid for a way back into the game, but new signing Meg Lawson could only watch the resulting spot-kick clear the crossbar as the visitors took all three points back to the Midlands.
It was the start of something new for City, who came into the game under new management and with a new look team.
The same was true of their opposition too, making for an intriguing game on paper.
This expectation transcended onto the pitch on Sunday afternoon, with both teams playing their part in a game of football that was very easy on the eye.
It was no surprise then when the opening goal was a stunning one; Griffiths bending a free-kick up and over a wall of claret and amber, beyond debutante goalkeeper Charlotte Oates.
City responded well, thumping a shot against the woodwork, before visiting goalkeeper Zoe Millington had to be withdrawn from the game through injury.
While the Bantams were fortunate to have a back-up stopper on their bench, the Rams were not, with defender Lorna Abbey to deputise in between the sticks for the hour that remained.
Still, City could not test her. Their build up was good; fast, creative and positive, but the final ball was lacking and the chances suffered as a result.
Campbell appeared to have found a way for the Bantams to get back on level terms when she was brought down in the area, but Lawson failed to hit the target as the hosts continued to curse their luck.
And when Dale tapped home Derby’s second shortly after, despite Oates making a terrific double save initially, their frustration was compounded in the form of a 2-0 loss to start the new season.
Going into Sunday’s game with Middlesbrough though, again at home, City will be delighted with the commitment of the new look team, with positives certainly not at a premium on day one.
Photos: George Wood Photography
