BINGLEY Bees, without a win after four Yorkshire Men's Division Four North matches, need to improve their final pass after losing 2-0 at Bradford 2nds.

Using a restructured defence and a new 3-3-1-3 formation inspired by their excellent second-half performance the previous week against Ben Rhydding, the Bees matched their hosts in the early stages of the contest at Bradford Girls' Grammar School.

Mid-table Bradford had most of the pressure, showing strong dribbling skills, but they were mostly stopped by man of the match Simon Woodhead in the Bingley defence, ably assisted by the Georges, Miller and Holmes.

The visitors escaped a loud call for a penalty flick when a ball appeared to be stopped on the line but Chris Silberberg also made a number of acrobatic saves before being beaten by a shot from short range after another good stop.

As the game progressed, Bingley started to build a series of well-worked attacks but the decisive ball left something to be desired, so shots on goal were few and far between.

In the second half, the pattern continued but Bradford started to gain the upper hand through their more accurate passing.

This culminated in a goal with 15 minutes to play and, despite changes to a more attacking line-up, the Bees were unable to convert any of their chances and conceded a second.

The Bees' women, meanwhile, were on the wrong end of a heavy 7-1 defeat at Hull University in Yorkshire Division Two – but at least they celebrated defender Claire Staniland's 40th birthday in style off the pitch with a special cake.

Facing youthful third-placed hosts and taking a while to shake off the effects of the journey, the visitors conceded a number of well-executed goals.

However, a solid half-time team talk from on-pitch captain Rachael Holdsworth and injured team captain Kirsty Matthews gave the Bees a much-needed boost and player of the match Holdsworth scored a goal as the visitors gave 100 per cent.

While a little deflated, Bingley will take away lessons to be used against Pocklington at Bradford Grammar School this coming Saturday as they look for only a second win in five games this campaign.