BRADFORD City Women's bad start to the season under player-manager Charlotte Stuart continued on Sunday, as they lost 3-1 at Chorley in the FA Women's National League League Cup.

It was an early exit from the competition for Stuart's side, despite substitute Mia Jacobs netting a superb equaliser for the Bantams midway through the second half.

The home side dominated the first half, though City were not helped by the fact that summer signing Dani Trickett was forced off by injury in the opening minutes.

Chorley took advantage of that stroke of misfortune, with only a couple of fine saves from Bantams stopper Tiffany Whelan keeping them out.

The hosts finally went ahead after 43 minutes, when Grace Foy's cross was turned home by Jess Gillin, following a superb first touch and finish.

City started to come into the game after the break, Emma Bradley making two superb saves to preserve Chorley's lead.

But she could do nothing about Jacobs' screamer on 67 minutes, a goal which drew the sides level.

A superb run and finish from Ellie Cleary restored Chorley's advantage with 15 minutes to go, before Georgia Payton wrapped up the game in injury-time.

She was on hand to slot the ball past the despairing Whelan, who had made a good save from Cleary's initial effort.

Brighouse Town Women sailed through though, thumping visiting Leafield Athletic 4-1.

Jasmine Saxton netted twice for Rob Mitchell's side, with Isobel Dean and Monique Watson also on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Chloe Shirley's goal in the 79th minute was the merest of consolations for Leafield.