Bradford City WFC vs Newcastle United WFC Programme

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Jess Graham: “It felt amazing being back on the pitch“ Jess Graham gets stuck in against Blackburn earlier this season. After two months out injured, Jess Graham returned to action last weekend as a second half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Today, she is in contention to make her full return, even more so with Ellie Olds’ injury opening up a space in midfield. Whether she starts or just features from the bench again though, Graham is raring to go after enduring a significant spell on the sidelines. “It felt amazing being back on the pitch Sunday as I thought it would be at least next year until I'd be able to be back training,” said City’s number eight. “It's the first time I've been injured properly in my football life, so it has made me even more determined to train harder because I have missed it so much on and off the pitch.” Similar levels of determination run through the squad today, as they aim to bounce back from last Sunday’s narrow loss. After such a positive display, defeat was difficult for the Bantams to take, and especially given the manner in which it was dealt to them. An 87th minute strike—arguably Rovers’ first real attempt at goal—saw them progress to the second round of the SSE FA Women’s Cup, while City crashed out. But the Bantams have taken countless positives from the game and go into today’s clash with Newcastle United full of confidence. “Blackburn are title contenders but we were the better team, and I think a lot of people would agree with me,” said Graham. “Compared to the first time we played them [a 4-0 loss in September], we have improved massively and that’s a great positive for the 8 | FA WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE | BRADFORD CITY VS NEWCASTLE UNITED
Jess Graham: “It felt amazing being back on the pitch” club moving forward as we are a fairly new team.” This afternoon, City go from playing favourites for the title to playing favourites to be relegated. Newcastle have won just two of their opening 10 games, leaving them four points adrift at the foot of the table. West Bromwich Albion are the team they are chasing down, but last season’s champions have began to pick up form and distance themselves from the foot of the table. Even so, Graham says the Bantams are not underestimating this afternoon’s opponents. “Today we have to bring the same attitude and fight we showed against Blackburn to secure a win,” she said. “The table may not reflect the ability of teams Jess Graham finally made her return from injury last week, replacing Abi Lee against Blackburn. and we have to be ready to take three points from every game.” She is right to be cautious too. Newcastle come into the game full of confidence after defeating lower-league RACA Tyne 3-0 in the SSE FA Women’s Cup last Sunday and they will be hoping to spring a surprise. Bar a heavy 5-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest two weeks ago, the Toon Army’s last few games have been close ones—with victory over Leicester sandwiched in between a 2-1 loss at West Brom and a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn. They are capable of competing with the top sides, and will be out to prove that once more today in pursuit of a precious win in their bid to stay up. But this is a game City will rightly be confident in taking three points from—granted they are on their game. The spirits are high in the dressing room and the performances have been very good after a tricky start. “To improve on last week, we are looking to be more direct and more confident going forward against Newcastle,” Graham said. City may not have a victory from their last outing to bring into this game like their opponents, but their number eight believes “bouncing off a good performance from last Sunday will help” in their bid for a more positive result this afternoon. “We have a lot of passion at this club. “We fight for every ball and have started to communicate well on the pitch. “We have amazing ability at the club too and need to start showing it off.” FA WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE | BRADFORD CITY VS NEWCASTLE UNITED| 9
Page 1 and 2: Bradford City Women’s Football Cl
Page 3 and 4: THE PEOPLE Club Chair: Sally Thackr
Page 5 and 6: Chair Chatter: Sally Thackray ahead
Page 7: ABOUT US Passionate about children
Page 11 and 12: Today’s Match Sponsor: Just A Bal
Page 13 and 14: Jess Graham 8 9 Lucy Sowerby 10 Han
Page 15 and 16: SSE FA Women’s Cup Round-up: Sund
Page 17 and 18: 2016-17 FAWPL Northern Division: Th
Page 19 and 20: Want to see your company in here? W
Page 21 and 22: Last time out: Bradford City 0-1 Bl
Page 23 and 24: 2016-17: Fixtures and Results COMP

Bradford City WFC vs Newcastle United WFC Programme

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