CAPTAIN Katy Woodcock’s “unbelievably frustrating” six-month injury lay-off came to an end on Sunday as Bradford City Women’s reserves beat Hull 5-1.

Woodcock broke her collarbone just two weeks before the start of the season and had to undergo surgery in October.

And after watching City’s first eight league games from the sidelines, she was delighted to finally return to the pitch at the weekend.

“I can’t honestly describe how happy I was when I woke up on Sunday morning,” she said.

“To have those pre-match nerves, put my kit on and be back on the pitch just felt so good.

“Being out for so long was unbelievably frustrating. I didn't handle the recover well to start with,” Woodcock continued.

“After being advised that surgery was needed, the first thing that came to mind was how long I would be out for.

“I was given an estimated recovery time of a further 12 weeks. As much as it was difficult to accept, I knew I would need to follow the recovery programme religiously if I wanted to be back playing as quick as possible.”

City couldn’t have marked her return much more emphatically.

Jade Brindle stole the show with four goals, while Meg Lawson got in on the act as she cleverly placed a free-kick beyond the Hull ‘keeper.

And although the Bantams couldn’t add to their tally in the second half, Woodcock was delighted with the performance.

“I couldn't have asked for a better first game back,” she said.

“I've watched the girls play every game this season so I knew there was a good chance of getting three points, but to get five goals as well made it even better.”

Unbeaten now in four, City sit comfortably in mid-table with four games in hand that mean they can catch – and overtake – leaders Fylde.

And with confidence high, their captain believes the top spots are what City should be eyeing up.

“All the girls are working extremely hard at training and we are only getting better each week, so that needs to continue and hopefully we'll keep getting the results we want,” she said.

“Our main aim is to finish in the top spots and there's no reason that can't happen.

“We just need to keep working hard, stay focused and continue getting those points on the board.”