BRADFORD City Women player-manager Charlotte Stuart is happy with her team's start to the season – as they prepare to enjoy their first free Sunday.

The Bantams have played four games so far, mustering a win, a loss and a draw in the league as well as a penalty shootout victory in the cup.

Stuart believes she can see things coming together and the team starting to gel ahead of two fixtures next week.

"There are some real positives to take from the first four games," said Stuart.

"We have shown great strength and character in all the games, which is great to see from the team.

"There are lots of things we need to work on but this comes with time and, considering the injuries we have had, I am happy with the start."

The Bantams were most depleted for their cup clash with Fylde, missing Stuart through a facial injury and Paige Crosby with a knee problem.

That left holes in the back line, meaning a reshuffle in personnel and formation was required – yet the setbacks only brought the team closer together as they twice came from behind to cause a big upset.

Stuart said: "That result certainly helped with our team morale. It showed the girls exactly what they are capable of achieving."

After following up that victory with a 4-1 hammering of Wolverhampton Wanderers – again coming from behind for that win – City are starting to pick up momentum.

They will take on the two early-season favourites next week, with Huddersfield Town hosting them in a midweek clash before a visit to champions Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

"We'll work hard on the training ground this week ready for those two games," said Stuart, with City needing to be well prepared to take two good results.