BRADFORD City Women face another tough league game this weekend as they host sixth-placed Derby County LFC.

After last weekend’s defeat to Huddersfield Town in the SSE Women’s FA Cup, the Bantams will be looking to take the determination they showed in the second half into their final league game before the Christmas break.

The Bantams were 6-0 down at half-time against a dominant Terriers side, who currently sit second in the division, but the Bradford players that marched back onto the Storthes Hall pitch after the interval had a determination about them that hasn’t been seen enough this season.

The City goal was under almost constant siege, but player of the match Aimee Routledge protected her goal fiercely with the assistance of a stubborn defensive line in front of her, until Town finally broke through the lines again with less than 10 minutes remaining.

City claimed a consolation goal in the dying seconds, as Zoe Roberts marked her return to the side with a stunning long range free-kick that nestled in the top corner of the Town goal.

City coach Meg Lawson admitted that City were under par at the start of last weekend’s game, and paid the heavy price, but was pleased with their fight in the second half.

Lawson and her fellow coach Toni Butcher will be looking for their side to pick up where they left off last weekend, and come out fighting from the start, as they still search for those first elusive points of the season.

Lawson said: “Great credit to the players who apply themselves and have a brilliant attitude.

"We’re looking to build on that now, and we set the standard for ourselves in that second half."

The Bantams are still without a number of key players, Olivia Taylor, Demi Pringle and Keegan Lambert are long-term casualties.

While Jen Clark and Rosie Gill finally succumbed to long-term niggles and were forced to sit out last weekend’s defeat.

Derby are currently in a slump of their own, having lost their last three league games, including a 7-0 mauling at home to runaway league leaders Blackburn Rovers.

The Ewes progressed in the FA Cup last weekend thanks to a 2-0 win at Guiseley Vixens.

City’s Development side face a tough trip to high-flying Sheffield United, who sit second in the division.

But coach Luke Norris is encouraged by the attitude his young side have shown in recent weeks.

He said: “The team showed great self-discipline and commitment by continuing to play the Bradford way and providing 100 per cent effort throughout.

"The base is there and once we cut out the little mistakes, the performances will transfer into results."

Meanwhile, Bradford (Park Avenue) have a West Riding Premier Division derby against Brighouse Athletic at Lightcliffe Academy.

Games between the teams are usually entertaining and with the added spice that many players have played for both teams.

Last week, Brighouse fought out a thrilling encounter at Wetherby. Sharon Bates and a Debbie Dangerfield penalty gave them a 2-0 lead at the break, but 10-man Wetherby levelled with 10 minutes to go.

In the last minute, Steph Foster charged out of defence for Sarah Hemingway's winner.

In the Second Division, joint leaders Farsley Junior Firsts won 5-1 at Pontefract, including two good strikes from Shauna Hill.

Farsley's keeper Emma Sutherland played the entire game with a broken finger.

Farsley's Reserves had a closer game, Leanne Farrell with a hat-trick in their 3-2 victory over Huddersfield Amateur, setting them up nicely for their game at Ossett.

Phoenix play Huddersfield Amateur at Old Earth and Thackley Reserves play Farsley Junior First at Woodhall.

In the First Division, Tyersal are at home to Boroughbridge but Thackley are on their travels as they visit second-placed Lower Hopton.