PLAYER-MANAGER Charlotte Stuart was left disappointed as Bradford City Women’s four-game unbeaten run ended with defeat to Derby County.

After five winless visits in a row, goals either side of half-time from Kelly Kennaugh and Georgia Hewitt gave the Rams their second successive victory on Bradford’s own patch.

Abi Lee pulled one back for the Bantams to make for an interesting finale, but City couldn’t find an equaliser despite numerous chances.

“It was a very poor performance,” said a frustrated Stuart.

“There was a lack of effort and it just wasn’t good enough at the end of the day.

“I’m very disappointed that we’ve again conceded from two corners, two set-pieces,” she continued.

“Once again, they are poor goals to let in.

“But then, even with our poor performance, we had all of the ball in the second half and, with the chances we had too, we should have taken the points.”

With both teams tied for points in the table a close game was expected, but it was all Derby in the first half as defender Paige Crosby cleared Andrea Bell’s early effort off the line.

Sophia Bonser then forced a great save from Nat Saunders and County took advantage from the resulting corner.

Captain Kennaugh was on hand to apply the finishing touches as it pinged around the area, giving Derby the lead.

And it was from a corner that they doubled that advantage. Hewitt, lurking on the edge of the area, struck home Derby’s second before the hour, giving City a huge mountain to climb.

Shots from Stuart, captain Shauna Legge and substitute Ellie Olds saw the Bantams produce a positive response, and they halved the deficit when Lee’s fantastic footwork took her in behind the defence to finish.

But, despite piling on the pressure, Bradford couldn’t find an equaliser as the Rams leapfrogged them in the standings.

City’s determination to get one over local rivals Guiseley Vixens this weekend will only double after this defeat, as they bid to bounce back.

But Stuart insists that Bradford are only focused on themselves, and not the opposition.

“Yes, it is a rivalry and a game the players look forward to because of that,” she said.

“But at the end of the day it’s the same as any other match.

“We go into every game wanting to win and nothing will change with the opposition we face.”