IT WAS another frustrating day out for Bradford City Women on Sunday as strugglers Newcastle United held them to a goalless draw.

Coming into the game off the back of a late defeat to Blackburn, the Bantams were keen to channel that disappointment against the league’s bottom club.

But determined not to lose as they scrap for survival, the visiting team sat deep and soaked up all of City’s pressure, working hard to keep them at bay and snatch a draw.

“They came and played for the draw, and they got what they wanted,” said City player-manager Charlotte Stuart. “Our goalkeeper didn’t make one save.”

Newcastle’s tactics meant City needed to play sharp and quick football, and they did, just not in the final third.

The build-up throughout was good, but with so many black and white shirts in and around the United box, chances were at a premium.

A rare opening saw Hannah Campbell’s header produce a comfortable save from Alice Harkness, and the in-form Newcastle stopper would thwart City’s number 10 one-on-one in stoppage time too.

There was little change after the interval, with Abi Lee denied after racing through on goal in the second half’s only real opening.

Laura Elford did put the ball in the back of the net late on, but City’s celebrations of pure relief were cut short by the offside flag.

“We didn’t play our best, but we were far better than them,” Stuart said, frustrated with the game and its result.

“We dominated possession but our final ball let us down – a ball which was made difficult by them putting 10 players behind it.”

The result was a disappointing one, but the game is one that Yasmin Ayub will remember fondly.

After eight years’ away, she rejoined the club last week and took plenty of positives from her second debut.

“I think it's always difficult to come into a new team, but as the game settled down I really enjoyed playing especially with the quality of the players around me,” Ayub said.

“I think it definitely helps that Bradford encourage the type of football I enjoy playing, getting the ball down, with quick passing and movement.

“Hopefully this will continue especially as I get to know the girls and the way they play more.”