BRADFORD City Women return to their home ground for the first time since December this weekend as they welcome third-placed Fylde.

The Bantams' last four games have come on the road but they are back at Eccleshill United FC for the visit of the Coasters.

With Blackburn crowned champions last weekend, Middlesbrough's spot in second secure and Newcastle United all but relegated, the race for third place takes centre stage in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division.

Just ten points separate the eight teams still unsure of their final position, with Fylde leading the pack by a single point.

Yet City remain in contention and could snatch that advantage from them with victory tomorrow.

Player-manager Charlotte Stuart said: "We're looking forward to it. It'll be nice to get back to our home pitch. It feels like an age since we last played there.

"Hopefully we can bounce back on our return too. We're all still disappointed about the result at Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and want to get back to winning ways."

City's luck was out when they visited the midlands, with goalkeeper Charlotte Oates forced off through injury and defender turned stand-in keeper Paige Crosby conceding the final kick of the game.

Oates will be a huge miss for the Bantams this weekend – and potentially the rest of the season. Midfielder Ellie Olds is also unavailable, dealing another blow.

But City have prepared well for these absences with a midweek friendly against Super League side Sheffield.

Stuart said: "We haven't played for two weeks but the game on Tuesday went well and we feel ready for what will be a tough game this weekend."

Kick-off time at Eccleshill tomorrow is 2pm.