Bradford City Women quick to rearrange clash with leaders Middlesbrough

The Bantams have had bad luck with postponements this year and have a backlog of fixtures to be played as a result.

But the scheduling was kind to them this week by making their preparation easier and rearranging Boro's visit for this coming Sunday.

"It's always frustrating when a game gets called off," said manager Charlotte Stuart.

"This is also the first week of many that we had a full-strength squad back, which makes it even more frustrating.

"Luckily Boro have a free weekend this weekend, so our fixtures have been changed to play them. This certainly makes preparation easier."

The Bantams were expected to welcome Ellie White back from the start on Sunday, their number nine having recovered from an ankle injury.

That was to follow the returns of Zoe Roberts and Laura Elford, both of whom made a significant impact as City got back to winning ways at Derby County the previous week.

Full-back Roberts played her part in a much-needed clean sheet, while Elford scored her 16th goal of the season to seal the three points in a 1-0 victory.

With players who can provide that added quality coming back – including White, who has six goals and three assists to her name this term – there is plenty of reason for City to be excited about the second half of the season.

"It's a relief to have Ellie, Zoe and Elford back and to have a fully fit squad," said Stuart.

"This is the first time in quite some time that we haven't had anyone on the injury list and we know that having everyone back in training is going to have huge benefits."

Those were seen to some extent in that victory at Derby and now Stuart is hoping they will be even more evident ahead of Boro's visit.

The leaders have won all of their last five league games but the Bantams came close to upsetting them last time and will hope to be underestimated again.

"We are the underdogs on Sunday and the pressure is on Boro," said Stuart.