FORMER Bradford City and Wales international Nicky Davies faces a race against time to be free to play for her new club, Hebden Royd United, in their first West Riding County Women's League game of the season tomorrow.

Although having played in Belgium over 25 years ago, Davies has discovered that FIFA are insisting all leagues check the international clearance certificates of any player who was born abroad or has played abroad – regardless of how long ago it was.

Davies said: "It is ridiculous. I am nearly 48 and having to deal with this nonsense just so I can have a kick around.

"Since I came back from Belgium, and received my clearance, I have played for Ilkeston Town, Doncaster Belles, Bradford City and Bronte Ladies in the FA Women's Premier League – and played international football for Wales. Any certificates I have had have long been lost with my travelling around.

"I couldn't have played for any of the teams I've played for in the past 20 years or so if I hadn't had the proper paperwork."

Meanwhile, Bradford City go to third-placed Derby County in the Northern Section of the FA Women's Premier League, with coach Steve Winterburn still searching for some consistency.

After a good win at Newcastle in the League Cup, City returned to league action with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Preston.

They took a 27th-minute lead through Rosie McDonnell but Preston equalised during added time in the first half and then hit a winner three minutes into time added on at the end.

Guiseley Vixens are still looking for their first points in this division. They went down 5-0 at Sporting Club Albion and although Bianca Ross did manage their first league goal against Bradford City at Eccleshill United, they finished on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline as Alarna Fuller (2), Olivia Thackray (2) and Shauna Legge netted for City.

In the Premier League Reserve section, City's second string will open their Northern Section campaign with a home game against Stockport County, while the newly-promoted A team are at home to Silsden in Division One of the West Riding League.