BRADFORD City open their new season in the FA Women's Premier League tomorrow with a trip to Preston North End – and a point to prove!

It was an emphatic last-day defeat at Preston that cost City the runners-up spot in the league's Northern Division last season but coach Steve Warburton is hoping for better things this time around.

The County Cup holders are looking forward to a new phase in the club's development when, having linked up with RIASA, the organisation responsible for introducing Nahki Wells to Bradford City AFC, City women have secured the services of five students from the USA who are starting a Masters course at Leeds Metropolitan University.

It is too late to assess the new signings for tomorrow's opener but they are due to start training next week and already have international clearance to play as soon as they arrive.

In their last pre-season game, City were 7-1 winners over Liverpool Feds as new signing Olivia Thackray bagged a hat-trick, two each from Sarah Danby and Molly Sharpe completing the scoring.

The West Riding County Women's League is two weeks off opening but Bradford Park Avenue continued their build up to the new season with a 3-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday with goals from player of the match Vicky Mladenovic, Laura Wolfenden and Jayde Nelson.

Tyersal, Bradford's newest open-age side, drew 1-1 with Farsley Reserves in another pre-season friendly. Former Avenue striker Amy Jackson netted a screamer for Tyersal.

Ossett Albion lost 5-3 to Wakefield in their North East Regional League Cup game but, in the same competition, Brighouse Town have been given a walkover in their scheduled tie this week as Dearne and District are unable to raise a side.