Bradford City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Matchday Programme

Last time out: Bradford City 3-3 (3-2 on pens) Fylde
Laura Elford scored twice and saw red in an eventful afternoon off the bench. (Photo:
Paul2Paul Photography)
It wasn’t a game for the faint of heart, but a
thrilling match in the first round of the FA
Women's Premier League Cup saw Bradford
City scramble through in a well-fought
contest.
With the clouds looming over Eccleshill, it
seemed almost a bad omen as Fylde’s Sophie
Charlton opened the scoring in the 13th
minute, executing some clever passing play to
catch the Bantams out in defence.
Despite dominating most of the half with their
height and pace, Bradford did manage to get
some attacking play through the midfield, but
long balls through towards goal were always
beaten by the pacey centre-backs of Fylde.
It remained that way until the break, with the
Bantams' defence holding strong despite the
earlier goal.
City were quick to apply the pressure from
kick-off in the second half, with prolific goalscorer
Laura Elford coming on for a tiring
Bryony Hanson in the 52nd minute.
Jess Graham had a shot within minutes that
beat the ‘keeper and rattled off the crossbar,
but Fylde were quick to counter, and
substitute Veatriki Sarri tucked the ball away
against the run of play to double their lead.
Managing from the side-lines, Charlotte Stuart
then subbed a well-worked Graham to
introduce Ellie Olds to the fold in the hopes of
bolstering the attack.
And attack they did. With only 10 minutes left
to play, Elford battered her way through the
Fylde defence to smash the ball into the back
of the net, giving the Bantams a chance and
what seemed like a breath of fresh air.
20 | FA WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE | BRADFORD CITY VS WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS