Bradford City Women returned to Eccleshill to face FC United of Manchester Women under the lights for another all important FAWNL league game that was always bound to be a good game with both teams looking to improve their current form and get a win under their belt. The game was a big one for Bradford though with the chance to pick up 3 points to lift them away from the relegation zone and with games in hand on those around them in the table every point from games in hand is vital. The game definitely didn't disappoint those in the crowd with Bradford putting on a brilliant performance and walking away with all 3 points after an impressive 3-0 victory.
It was United who had the first chance of the game with an early free kick which found itself going out of play for a City goal kick. From there though it took them a while to get their next chance as City picked up pace and really started to show just what they are capable of when they put some great passes together. It took just 4 minutes for City to get on the scoreboard with Jakeman playing a great ball through to Stuart who slots the ball into the far corner to give City a deserved early lead. It was nice to see the team go ahead for a change and keep up momentum and pressing the opposition rather than taking their foot off the pedal and sitting back. United did try to draw level with City struggling to clear their lines after some good pressure from United however, the eventual shot went wide without troubling City 'keeper Kirkham.
After that small bit of pressure City picked up momentum once more and in the 12th minute Stuart got her second of the evening, a loose ball back to the United 'keeper was closed down very quickly by Stuart who deflected the ball around the 'keeper and hit the ball in the back of the net. From there on out City just looked more motivated than ever and even had a possible goal ruled out for offside. United did keep trying to apply pressure to get a goal back but after rattling the crossbar and some fantastic saves from Kirkham they just couldn't find the back of the net.
City went into half time 2-0 up and had certainly put on an impressive display in the first half which looked a lot better than some of the performances so far this season, they just looked stronger and like they wanted those 3 points more than ever.
The second half was just like the second with City looking the more dominant side throughout with United having a few spells of pressure which didn't amount to much due to a brilliant defence and absolutely fantastic goalkeeping. In the 52nd minute City wrapped up the game with their 3rd and final goal of the evening, Beck went on a great attacking run and ended up riffling the ball into the top corner giving the United 'keeper no chance of saving the ball. From this point both teams were trying their best to grab a goal however, the game ended 3-0 to City and the performance gives us all hope for the rest of the season.
City's performance against FC United was a much better team performance with a lot of positives to take from the game, they started the game strong and kept on pushing to get the most out of the game. They chased the ball down and put pressure on United, creating some fantastic chances for themselves and getting themselves into some dangerous positions. The team moved the ball around well throughout the game creating some great paces and getting into space to go on the attack and it was nice to see the passes linking up well and plenty of attacks taking place.
In terms of our player of the match me and Liam both agreed it could have gone to a fair few players as each one had strong parts of the game however, we both settled on a joint player of the match as it was too difficult to pick between 'keeper Kirkham and Stuart. Both these players had fantastic games with Kirkham making some brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet then you have Stuart who got 2 early goals and showed no signs of slowing down throughout the time she was on the pitch even with all the knocks she was taking from the opposition.
This game gave Bradford those all important 3 points and lets hope City can make it 6 from 6 as they face Barnsley Women at Eccleshill on Sunday. If they play like they did against FC United I think they are in with a good chance.
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