A HAT-trick from player-manager Charlotte Stuart lifted Bradford City Women to third place in the FA Women's Premier League as they hammered Newcastle United 5-1.

It was a perfect afternoon for the Bantams in their first outing for three weeks, with Hannah Campbell's 18th goal of the season giving them a first-minute lead.

Nicole Dack equalised just past the half-hour mark but Stuart's first ensured City led at the break and her treble secured the three points.

The player-boss said: "It's always nice to get on the scoresheet and lead my team – but to get a hat-trick! I couldn't be happier. That's my first one for quite some years."

City dominated from start to finish but found their ruthless streak in a second half that was simply plain sailing.

Quick out of the blocks, the woodwork denied Abi Lee just minutes after the break but the Bantams would not have to wait much longer for a third goal.

Jess Graham finished off a lovely team move just short of the hour mark, before Stuart bagged her brace with another long-distance hit.

The fifth and final goal came from the spot late on, giving City a scoreline that reflected the quality of their display.

After being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle last month, the Bantams can be delighted that their hard work in preparation for this rematch paid off.

Stuart said: "It was a great performance from the girls. They did everything we asked and more.

"The quality of our passing and moving, playing one and two-touch football, meant that Newcastle just couldn't get near us."

The comfortable lead meant minutes off the bench for a couple of reserve-team players too, with striker Rebecca Sherrand and centre-back Kirstie Hunt introduced later on.

Stuart said: "The girls that stepped up made a great impression. That's very pleasing, especially ahead of our County Cup game on Sunday."

City face Altofts in the quarter-finals this weekend in a competition for which the Bantams often rotate.

Hunt and Sherrand have both made an impact already in the cup and they will be keen to play a further part after another taster on Tyneside.

Yet the team as a whole will head into that game on cloud nine, as this five-star display takes them into the Northern Division's top three.