Bradford City Women’s frustrating start to the season continued on Sunday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
The Bantams had a flurry of chances throughout the game, but a terrific display from Albion goalkeeper Bec Thomas helped the hosts progress to round two of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup.
Summer Holmes and Olivia Mitcham struck the decisive blows in either half, while the timing of Ellie Olds’ header to halve the deficit rendered it just a consolation late on.
City played some fantastic football once again, starting the game on the front foot as Zoe Roberts and Meg Lawson both fired free-kicks just wide of the mark.
However, the hosts went up through the gears midway through the first half and, after Paige Stewart fired over the bar, they would take the lead.
It was just past the half hour mark when Mitcham was fouled in the area and Holmes, though her spot-kick hit the post, would break the deadlock at the second attempt.
City picked up where they left off after this, not willing to let their heads drop as Rosie McDonnell and Hannah Campbell each brought the best out of their opposing ‘keeper.
This continued into the second half as a goalline clearance was required to keep the Bantams at bay; a brilliant corner causing Albion serious problems.
Lucy Sowerby then had a superb effort tipped over the bar, with a goal surely just around the corner.
And that it was – but not for City. With only 20 minutes to play, Mitcham converted Jess Bate’s cross and Albion were 2-0 up.
The Bantams continued to press into the closing stages, with Campbell again left feeling frustrated as Thomas came up with a big save to deny her one-on-one.
City would end their goal drought on the day, Olds heading in from a Lawson corner, but the clock read 93 minutes at this point as Albion saw out the final moments to secure the win.
It was no doubt a positive display from the Bantams, but the frustration continues as they once again failed to pick up a victory that they would have been worthy of.
This week is all about building on this performance and making the small things right then ahead of a trip to Fylde this coming Sunday.
Photo credit: George Wood
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