BRADFORD City Women reached the last four of the West Riding County Cup on Sunday – without kicking a ball.

And with only seven fixtures remaining this season, the news of Altofts withdrawing from the game was frustrating for the Bantams.

“It’s always frustrating when games are cancelled,” said player-manager Charlotte Stuart.

“But I can imagine it was just as frustrating for Altofts not being able to raise a team, so it’s just one of those things.”

City will face one of Guiseley Vixens, Brighouse Town or Farsley Celtic in the semi-finals as they bid to reclaim their County Cup crown.

And though the Bantams are now just two wins away from a fourth successive title, they recognise that it won’t be easy to retain the trophy.

“To be honest, I’m really excited for the draw,” said Stuart. “We know that any of the teams will be a tough contest – especially as they’re all local rivals.”

City met Farsley in the final two years ago, but eased to victory with a 9-0 win. Guiseley, however, present arguably the toughest challenge of the three.

Top of the division below, the Vixens took City to penalties in the semi-finals of this competition last season.

Their rivalry has been spiced up this year too, after several of the Bantams’ players joined Guiseley in the summer.

The main thing for City will be to keep their momentum going and their fitness up then – and deal with the gaps in the fixture list – ready for whatever challenge the draw throws their way.

Their next game isn’t pencilled in until Sunday, February 12 when they travel to West Bromwich Albion.

There is then a six-week wait for another game, although at least one County Cup game will come in that time.

“We played Doncaster Belles in a friendly last Thursday and we’ve already got a couple more friendlies booked in to help keep a steady flow of matches until the end of the season,” said Stuart.

“The friendlies are not only key to keep up our match fitness, but also our sharpness,” she added, as City hope to protect their third spot in the league.

“The girls are going to have to be mentally switched on if we are to enjoy a good end to the season.”