Bantams Women: Jakeman senses progress despite struggles

Stoke sit fourth in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier, just two points behind Sunderland and Huddersfield, but only two ahead of Middlesbrough and Derby to form a group of five chasing down all-conquering Blackburn Rovers, who continue their march towards the title.

The Bantams squad continues to be decimated by injuries, with Keegan Lambert and Demi Pringle still missing.

Olivia Taylor is another long-term casualty, but she took the decision to leave the club last week, and has since joined neighbours Huddersfield Town.

Jen Clark continues to struggle with a muscle tear and limped out of the Derby game last Sunday. Kate Donnan also hobbled off, but looked fit in training this week.

In more positive news skipper Harriet Jakeman will return after being unavailable last weekend.

Bradford finished last Sunday’s 10-0 defeat against Derby with six under-18s on the field, a clear demonstration of manager Steve Winterburn’s difficulties with the depth of his squad.

Despite the last two results, the Bantams are benefitting from Winterburn’s experienced leadership.

It was clear that his players tired heavily towards the end of last Sunday’s game, when Derby scored three goals in the final five minutes.

But supporters will notice a massive difference in the tactics and formation as he pulls his young side together and looks to keep them motivated and positive in what is an increasingly difficult season.

Jakeman is seeing a change too. She said: “Each week with Steve we continue to improve as a team. We are learning to stick together and work hard for each other and the badge.

"We have a completely different team to the last time we played Stoke, so it’s a new challenge to see what we can do.”

This Sunday Bradford City Disability FC will be guests of honour at the game after making it to the final of the FA Peoples’ Cup at St George’s Park earlier this month.