BRADFORD City Women open their season with the visit of Durham Cestria to Eccleshill United’s Mitton Group Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides are new arrivals to the FA Women's National League Division One North following City’s relegation and Durham’s promotion in May.

City have had mixed fortunes in pre-season, starting with a 7-0 demolition of neighbours Bradford Park Avenue, and ending last weekend with a close-fought 3-2 defeat at Sheffield FC. City led the Northern Premier Division side until late on, when the hosts grabbed three late goals to claim the win at the death.

Bantams manager Steve Winterburn has had a relatively successful recruitment campaign over the summer, with a number of new additions and only a few departing.

Ellen Kennedy and Phoebe Tomlin have moved to the USA, while international defender Khloe Cooper has returned to her native Northern Ireland.

Winterburn is in determined mood ahead of the opener and said: “As manager I speak on behalf of everyone at the club and this season's squad in saying we are ready for the upcoming challenge.

"The players have worked hard during a gruelling pre-season, and after our final friendly last week against an organised and talented Sheffield FC, we are chomping at the bit to get back out on the pitch.

“We have a number of new additions that will strengthen the squad this year, and hopefully help us kick on and make steps towards returning this club back to where we believe it belongs."

Chairperson Sally Thackray is back to help bring some stability to the club after a turbulent summer, and her priority is clear – to recruit her replacement and strengthen the club’s hard-working and under-staffed committee.

She said: “I can't emphasise enough that it is critical that we find some volunteers to help the club survive. This is a real 'call to arms', as I fear without the required help the club will not be able to keep operating.

"Please come and help us to ensure that football continues to be available for the young women in Bradford. Please contact matthew@bcwfc.co.uk urgently if you are able to help in any way, however small.”