BRADFORD City lost their ninth match out of ten in Division One North of the FA Women's National League - but there were positives to take away from their 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United.

The 3G artificial surface was used for a wide range of sports as there were many lines on the pitch. These would contribute to City’s downfall as they were not only confusing but in different colours and partially visible.

With several first team players being out, manager Chris Hames only had one substitute.

Newcastle had the first chance from a corner, forcing a good point blank save from keeper Aimee Routledge and Beth Shepherd clearing the goal-bound second attempt.

It wasn’t long before City conceded though as Newcastle struck with a shot from Beth Gardener rebounding under the crossbar and rolling over the line.

The highlight of the first half for the Bantams was a well-taken free-kick from Jemma White that produced a good save from the Newcastle keeper.

Newcastle added a second after the break under bizarre circumstances. A long hopeful ball cleared from the Newcastle defence was picked up by Routledge under no pressure, only to realise that she had stepped out of her area due to the poorly marked-out pitch.

This was spotted by the assistant referee. Gardener grabbed the ball and chipped it into the net, with the defence not being set and the keeper only being a few yards from the ball. City players looked on in disbelief as the referee awarded the goal.

With 20 minutes left, the visitors had Newcastle on the back foot, several players having half chances and the pace of City’s only substitute Amelia White causing problems. However, the hosts held out.

It was a brave effort from the Bantams, with keeper Routledge carrying an injury from the 15th minute and Charlotte Stuart twisting an ankle deep into the second half. That leaves them both with a fight on their hands to be fit for Sunday’s game at home to Chester Le Street.

Manager Chris Hames said: “Our structure and shape were close to being spot on. We frustrated a side who have lots of confidence, particularly at home, and the work rate that required was given in abundance from the whole team.

“It was a massive improvement from our last trip up to the north east. We are not far away from getting the break we need, but again it was individual mistakes that cost us, and we need to just ride through them while our luck is low.

“Time is not on our side, whilst we are close to showing our potential, each game that passes is another that we don’t have points in, so we know we need to start turning performances into results soon."