BRADFORD City Women will face Brighouse Town in the first round of the West Riding County Cup – a rematch of last season's final.

While both sides are often drawn against teams much lower down the pyramid for their opening ties, the competition has thrown up a surprise this year.

Yet City manager Charlotte Stuart is not fazed by the fixture as her side set out to retain the title for a fourth season in a row.

"I am very much a believer in you need to earn the right to be the best, so playing the finalists from last year will be a great game to start off the competition," said Stuart.

"Neither team will want to go out in the first round, so that will definitely add an edge to the game."

City will not be coming up against the same side they did back in May – and vice versa. Both teams have changed plenty of personnel over the summer to make for an interesting new instalment in this local rivalry.

Added to that is Brighouse's fine start to the FA Women's Premier League season in Northern Division One.

After finishing mid-table in 2016-17, Town clearly have their sights set on something more this campaign.

They have won five of their opening six fixtures, that one blip being a narrow 1-0 defeat to leaders Hull City.

But Bradford will retain their status as favourites due to their higher status in the Northern Division and as holders of the County Cup – which they have been since 2013.

And while the draw may have perplexed some, Stuart is excited that it could bring more people through the gates to one of their favourite competitions.

"At last year's final when we played each other, we drew the largest attendance that has been at a Women's County Cup final ever," she said.

"So grabbing the attention early on with a game like this will certainly only add to the excitement of the competition."