BRADFORD City Women begin their search for a fourth successive County Cup title on Sunday, taking on Ossett Albion in the second round.

The Bantams downed Leeds 6-0 last season to lift the trophy once more and, as the now highest ranked team in the competition, are favourites again this term.

Their 2016-17 campaign starts at sixth-tier Albion, who are on a four-game unbeaten streak in the league.

Bradford will be returning to action after a week off, but the clash also offers the club chance to give some players further rest.

“There’s still some injuries in the team so we will be giving several reserves and new players a chance,” City player-manager Charlotte Stuart said.

That could mean a debut for on-loan full-back Rachel Newborough.

The Northern Ireland international recently joined from Super League side Doncaster Belles and is in line to start.

Either way, a reshuffle in defence is expected, with centre-back and assistant manager Faye Boshell sitting the game out.

“Me and Faye will be taking it from the sidelines this week and not playing,” Stuart confirmed. “The early rounds of the County Cup are a good opportunity for both of us to watch from the sideline for once.”

Other players pushing to start tomorrow include Keavy Smith and Meg Lawson.

Seventeen-year-old Smith scored in the reserves’ 4-1 win over league leaders Fylde last weekend and earned player of the match in her full first team debut earlier this season, in the 6-0 win at lower-league Crewe.

Lawson, meanwhile, registered two assists against Fylde last week. She’s been rebuilding her fitness with the reserves after an injury and will have her eyes on the gap left in midfield as Stuart moves to the sidelines.

Sunday’s game is a 2pm kick-off at Warehouse Systems Stadium.