ANGRY Bradford City Women’s boss Chris Hames blasted opponents Sunderland West End for their aggressive approach in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, as his side bowed out with a 2-0 home defeat.

It was a strongly-contested start to the game on Sunday, with several rash tackles resulting in a number of stoppages for injuries and a booking for a Sunderland player.

The physical nature of the game could quite easily have escalated if the referee had taken a different stance, as both teams could have been down to 10 or even nine players.

Although there were not many chances for either side, when called upon, City keeper Hannah Richards made some great stops.

But Sunderland broke the deadlock just before half-time from a free-kick that was bundled into the net from a tight angle.

In the second half, City came out much stronger, with efforts from Charlotte Gill and Charlotte Stuart producing great saves from the Sunderland keeper.

Captain Zoe Roberts went even closer still, hitting the bar from a free-kick.

City were dominant and despite the physical nature of the contest, controlled most of the play, except where it really mattered in their opponents’ final third.

Despite all the possession and pressure from the Bantams, it was Sunderland who always looked dangerous on the break.

And they wrapped up the game late on with a goal from a corner.

It was a big disappointment for City, who should have been more clinical.

A frustrated Hames said: “We played to our plan, moved the ball well and caused Sunderland a number of problems.

“We opened them up a lot. We must have hit the target a good 10 times, but we then fell well short of our expectations in taking these chances.

“Credit then has to go to them for the way they defended the second ball and protected their keeper.

“They only had a couple of chances, but they took them when they came, which ultimately is what wins matches. Best of luck to them in the next round.”

He added: “We have come through the game without any serious injuries, and how, I don’t know.

“Sunderland clearly arrived with a plan, and I’m happy to call them out on it, because it has no place in today’s game.”

The Bantams are without a game this weekend, as scheduled opponents Liverpool Feds are in FA Cup action, but they are due to host a big derby with Leeds United next Tuesday in the FA Women's National League Division One North.

City's second string were obliterated 12-0 by a strong Middlesbrough side in the FAWNL Reserve Northern Division on Sunday. They are due to host Barnsley in the league this weekend.