PLAYER-manager Charlotte Stuart was disappointed to concede goals from two set-pieces as Bradford City Women lost their opening match of the season at Leicester.

The Bantams were defeated 2-0 in the Midlands as the FA Women's Premier League kicked off on Sunday.

Stuart believes their lapses in concentration at dead-balls cost her side in a game where they perhaps deserved more.

"We conceded from two set-pieces so I was very disappointed with the goals," she said.

"First to concede from a free-kick two minutes from half-time, against the run of play, then again in the second half from a corner. We gave the game away.

"Leicester were then on top in the second half with their two-goal lead and we were on the back foot."

City's side had a fresh look at the Riverside, with four summer recruits starting in the new three-at-the-back system.

The Bantams started well too, with new arrival Ellie White linking up well with Abi Lee to create a number of promising attacks.

Yet sloppy defending from a free-kick late into the first half allowed Leicester to take the lead – one they would double only minutes after the restart.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game," said Stuart, with Leicester having made a plethora of signings during the summer themselves.

"Overall I've got mixed emotions about the outcome – I think a fair result would have been a draw.

"We defended well as a team, we pressed well and we did everything in the first half except score. But those are positives to build on and take into next week."

City welcome Nottingham Forest for their Northern Division home opener on Sunday.