BRADFORD City Women went down to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Norton & Stockton Ancients in a typical game of two halves in the FA Women’s National League Division One North.

City started brightly, with Sophie Hawkins curling a shot past the far post in the first minute.

Ellie Prothero’s last ditch challenge sparked another City attack minutes later, the Norton goalkeeper smothered the ball at Maisie Norde’s feet.

The Bantams continued to press and took the lead on the 20th minute when the ball broke free after a goalmouth scramble and Hawkins thumped the ball home.

Five minutes later, Hawkins went close again, an out-stretched Norton toe was enough to deflect her shot wide.

As the half wore on the hosts took control, and on the half-hour mark the ball dropped kindly for Sophie Tierney who prodded home from close range.

Norton came out in a more determined mood after the break and played a much more physical game, which City struggled to combat at times.

The Bantams had a good shout for a penalty when Hawkins looked to be brought down as she ran onto Amy Beck’s through ball, but the referee was unmoved.

Not long after Norton’s prolific striker Bianca Owens was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a parried save from keeper Hannah Richards and score the decisive goal just after the hour-mark.

City fought hard to find a way back into the game but were denied by a stubborn Norton.

Although as the game moved into injury time, they had another penalty claim waved away as Katy Woodcock looked to be pushed over in the area.

Next up for City’s first team is a run of three cup games, starting with the visit of Midlands side Boldmere St Michaels in the FA Women’s National League Plate on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup Third Qualifying round, Thackley, who are unbeaten in the league, came unstuck at Blackburn Community. The Dennygirls lost 6–0 to their higher-league opponents.

Also in the cup, Farsley Celtic Women hosted Darlington of the Durham County League. 15 minutes in, Celts were already 4–0 up, before Dee Swales marked her hat-trick with a chip over the keeper. The second half was more even, and, on the 65th minute, Darlington pulled one back. However, Farsley would score three more as the game finished 8–2. Celtic are through to the first round proper on November 14, when they welcome Mossley Hill to The Citadel.

Leeds United travel to Hartlepool in the next round after a 4–0 win at Redcar. Hannah Freibach, Kathryn Smith, Laura Bartup and Abbie Brown got the goals.