BRADFORD City Women crashed out of the FA Women's National League Plate in the first round following a 5-0 defeat away at Welsh side The New Saints.

City travelled with a threadbare squad after Charlotte Sales dropped out following a midweek training ground injury, adding to the lengthy casualty list.

The hosts took the lead after just six minutes as striker Emily Ridge chipped the ball over keeper Aimee Routledge from the edge of the box.

The Bantams came close to an equaliser when Sophie Moulden volleyed over the bar after good build up from Shirley Murphy and Jess Dunlop.

Instead, Ridge doubled TNS' lead after 25 minutes with a low drive past the diving Routledge.

She completed her hat-trick on 32 minutes with a composed finish, after latching on to a through ball that opened up the City defence.

New signing Robyn Harris tested the TNS keeper just before half-time but was denied by a diving save.

City began the second half looking for an immediate response but were pegged back further as Laura Morris volleyed in from close range.

The Bantams hit back and looked the more likely to score, until they were denied a seemingly clear penalty as Jade Brindle was brought down in the box.

Winger Rosie Gill was introduced after 65 minutes and her pace tested the TNS defence, but the scoring was completed by Morris late on to ensure a 5-0 win.

Bantams coach Meg Lawson was honest in her assessment at the full time whistle: "The first half we weren’t up to scratch playing wise or attitude wise; it looked like we hadn’t got off the bus.

"After an honest team talk, the second half was an improvement but still not good enough.

"We regroup for Sunday knowing exactly what we need to work on and what we expect from each other and we fully expect a reaction against Hull City."

The Bantams play host to Hull next Sunday, looking for an upturn in their league fortunes.

Meanwhile, City's Development side were on the wrong end of a high-scoring game, losing 7-4 away at Huddersfield Town in the Reserve Northern Division One.