CHRIS Hames claimed his first league win as Bradford City Women's boss thanks to a last-minute winner at Norton & Stockton Ancients.

Captain Katy Woodcock smashed home from close range to give the Bantams a 3-2 victory in FA Women's National League Division One North.

Their second league success of the season still leaves them bottom but they are now just one point behind Chorley.

With the pitch at Eccleshill not fit following the continued wet weather, the match was switched to Norton at short notice.

Conditions at Middlesbrough College, virtually in the shadow of the Riverside Stadium, were still tough, with a strong wind blowing across the pitch. City had to dig in deep at times but were deserved winners on the day.

They struck first as Norton - who played a very physical game - gave away one free-kick too many and Ellie Prothero’s set-piece from the edge of the area seemed to evade everyone and beat the keeper at her near post.

That gave them the interval lead but the visitors equalised after the break with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area.

Despite City having the majority of the play and a strong penalty shout after a collision left Harriett Jakeman suffering a large cut above her eye, they had to wait until the 80th minute before Charlotte Stuart headed in from a well-taken corner by debutant Sophie Hawkins.

With the clock running down, Norton equalised from a disputed penalty and, just like in their recent draw with Chester-le-Street, it looked like City would be denied victory again.

But they had other ideas though and in the final minute of normal time there was more controversy as the referee awarded City a corner when all the Norton players claimed a goal kick. Hawkins put in another good ball to the near post and Woodcock smashed the ball home from two yards out.

City saw out a nervy eight minutes of injury time to leave boss Hames delighted with his side's character.

He said: “It was the best football the team played as a group and, while still ugly at times, they showed glimpses of what they are capable of. It was a full team effort.

"The starting eleven and the subs all had an impact on the way the game went. It’s now important for the team to continue this level of fight into the next match.”

Next up for City is another away trip, this time to Merseyside to take on Liverpool Feds on Sunday.