Underway

Bradford City Women’s league season got underway at Horsfall Stadium with a home fixture against Middlesbrough.

There is enhanced optimism and interest in women’s football following the success of England’s national team during the summer. City play in the fourth tier (FA Women’s National League Division One North), so it remains to be seen how much of the interest trickles down that far. This division does include Newcastle United, Leeds United, Hull City and Barnsley, so there are a number of clubs with a built in supporter base and a good few Yorkshire derbies. I’d say attendance was just about in three figures for this game which is a modest bounce on equivalent home matches last season. 

It was a fairly even game. Boro took the lead with a direct free kick from the edge of the box. City equalised following a corner and had the better of the open play chances, but the Boro keeper was in good form. The visitors grabbed a winner somewhat against the run of play. City will feel they deserved more from the game.

Today’s image captures a scene from one of City’s many corners, with Boro keeper Kayley Dunn punching clear.