STRIKER Laura Elford remains upbeat despite Bradford City Women's failure to beat winless FA Women's Super League rivals Guiseley Vixens.

Elford, returning to the team after a three-match ban, came off the bench to equalise with 20 minutes to go as the Northern Division contest finished 2-2.

Yet the forward was positive about the performance as Bradford prepare to start their West Riding County Cup defence this weekend.

Elford said: "It was a nice feeling to be back among the goals, especially in a derby. It gives me some confidence going forward into our next games.

"We wanted all three points but the main thing was that we still got something from the match.

"Grinding out wins is going to be crucial to our season. We want to win every game, regardless of whether it's cup or league.

"It would be great if we could go on another cup run this season, as we won it last year, but to do that we have to make things work.

"Our build-up play has been good but we need confidence in the final third to be creative and get our shots away. With the hard work the girls are putting in, I believe it will come."

Bradford went ahead just minutes into Sunday's game when Charlotte Stuart lobbed the Vixens goalkeeper from 25 yards.

However, Emily Scott quickly drew the hosts level and Danica Roberts edged them ahead deep into first-half stoppage time.

City came out with nothing to lose in the second half and it showed. They were by far the better side and Elford grabbed a point when she headed in at the back post, setting up an interesting finale.

But there would be no more goals at Nethermoor, despite plenty of chances.

"It's a big shame for us not to get the three points but that will fuel us to hopefully steal all three when we play them at home," said Elford.

"The most important thing for us is remaining organised and pressing as a team. We did this well in phases at the weekend and it's important we carry that on.

"I think we know as a team that we need to improve going forward and we will put that into practice this week at training before two big games."

City take on Brighouse Town, who they defeated in last year's final, in the first round of the County Cup this weekend.

They then have their third local derby in a row when hosting Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.

But Sunday's game comes first as the Bantams begin the defence of their regional title.