Bradford City women looking to play catch-up (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City women looking to play catch-up

5:32pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in General By Sports Desk

Unbeaten Bradford City find themselves slipping behind the two leading clubs in the Northern Women’s Combination League after three successive postponements but are hoping for better luck for their trip to lowly Cheadle Heath on Sunday.

With County Cup and FA Women’s Cup ties to follow, a game – and a win – are vital to coach Steve Winterburn’s promotion ambitions.

Huddersfield Town, unlucky to go down 5-4 at joint-leaders Chorley last time out, face another tough game at home to Sheffield United Community, while Leeds City Vixens – 3-2 winners at Stockport – now go to mid-table Mossley Hill.

In the North East Regional League, Guiseley earned a creditable 2-2 Premier Division draw at Barnsley – Alarna Fuller scoring twice – and they now tackle well-placed Scunthorpe at Nethermoor.

Ossett Albion ended their disappointing start to the season in Division One with a surprise, yet deserved, 4-2 victory at Malet Lambert.

It was a first league win for Brazilian coach Junior Roberto’s team and put them in good heart for their trip to a Bradford City A side beaten 5-1 by Westella. Vicki Wood netted the City consolation.

Rachel Barber (2), Sophie Langdale and Nicky Swift were the Albion scorers, while assists from Nicky Davies and Claire Popplewell doubtless fired up the former City duo ahead of Sunday’s game.

Kirklees, without a game last week, are back in action against Westella & Willerby at Leeds Road, while Keighley Oaks – beaten 5-2 at Doncaster Belles – take on Wetherby Athletic at Marley.

Bradford Park Avenue were unable to raise a side for last week’s West Riding League Cup game at home to Farsley but will try again on Sunday.

Ossett Town take on 100 per cent leaders Harrogate Railway in the Premier Division, hoping to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat at Brighouse, while Dewsbury Rangers go to a Silsden side boasting two wins out of two in Division Three.

But Rangers will doubtless be in good spirits after their own second win of the season, 3-2 at home to Skipton, lifted them into a mid-table position.

There was no such luck for Cleckheaton Sporting, who remain anchored to the foot of the table after losing 10-1 at home to Ilkley, and have a tough task at Thornes if they are to break their duck.