BRADFORD City Women's skipper Charlotte Oates is targeting a title challenge next season.

City ended 2016 by clinching a place in the quarter-finals of the West Riding County FA Women's Cup, but while the retention of that title is possible, the Bantams are 12 points off the pace in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division.

“All I could ask for is a top-half finish and for us to go into next season stronger, with higher aims to challenge for the title,” said Oates.

“If someone offered us fourth in the league at Christmas at the start of the season, we would have snapped their hands off.

“It was always going to be a tough season with a new set-up and new players, but our position at this point reflects how much work we’ve put in and how far we can actually go.”

Oates arrived in the summer and was handed the captain’s armband by Charlotte Stuart as she vacated the role to become player-manager.

The departure of long-term coach Steve Winterburn and several first- team regulars meant a pre-season shake up, but City are clicking now after a bumpy start.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute as captain in my first season at Bradford,” said Oates.

“The support we've had from the new management team has brought everyone together and got us to this stage.

“We have really gelled as a team, and morale is good.

"A few injuries have set us back, but we have all stayed positive and worked even harder when needed.”

And while a title challenge is off the cards, with Middlesbrough and Blackburn in a straight shoot-out for the crown, City can still target silverware.

“In the new year, we will just take each game as it comes.

“We are on a good run in the County Cup, and to get something from that competition will be more than expected, but it’s also what all the girls would deserve.”