Bradford City Women lose 6-1 to Newcastle at St James' Park

They took on their Newcastle United counterparts in front of 24,092 fans, which is a new record for an FA Women's National League fixture.

On such a huge occasion, it was only fitting that lots was at stake for both sides.

A huge crowd turned out on Sunday to watch Newcastle and City's women at St James' Park. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

The duo are at opposite end of the Division One North table, with Newcastle battling Durham Cestria for the title and the Bantams trying to avoid relegation.

Newcastle were the odds-on favourites to win at the weekend, and that proved to be the case, as they beat their claret and amber visitors 6-1.

The equation is now simple for the Bantams in their quest for survival.

They have to beat Newcastle at Valley Parade in their final game on Sunday, April 30 to stay up, while also needing one of Middlesbrough or York City to lose.

It will be a difficult ask for the Bantams, but they will take heart from a battling performance at St James' on Sunday.

City Women chairman Qasim Akhtar also helps out with coaching at the club, and he could be seen giving his players instructions on the touchline at the weekend. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

They were only 2-0 down at the break, having largely restricted their hosts to half-chances, and also grabbed a sensational consolation goal with 10 minutes to go.

Charlie Ramsden had the honour of scoring for the Bantams on their biggest-ever stage, whipping a stunning free-kick over opposition keeper Grace Donnelly and into the net from near the left touchline with 10 minutes to go.

🌟 | Take a bow, Charlie Ramsden! #BCAFC pic.twitter.com/xK67XUYxhS

— Bradford City AFC Women (@bcafc_women) April 17, 2023

The first big chance of the game came the way of Kacie Elson after 12 minutes, but City keeper Tiffany Whelan made a brilliant save from close range.

Charlotte Stuart then made a fine block to deny Elson, but the visitors could only hold out for so long.

Beth Guy nodded home Georgia Gibson's corner to give Newcastle the lead after 21 minutes, before Charlotte Potts doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark with another header from a set-piece.

Beth Guy, tackling City's Sandra Martins here, opened the scoring for Newcastle at St James' Park. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

Gibson waltzed into the Bantams box before being denied by Whelan, as the Bantams just about remained in the game at half-time.

Whelan stopped a Gibson shot with her legs just after the break and denied the same player once again moments later.

Unfortunately for her, that second chance came straight back to Gibson, who tucked away the rebound to put Newcastle 3-0 up.

Elson was fouled in the box soon after, and Rachel Lee tucked away the resulting penalty to put the hosts 4-0 up.

Rachel Lee salutes the crowd after scoring Newcastle's fourth goal from the penalty spot. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

Guy headed home a free-kick with 20 minutes to go to put her side 5-0 up, before Ramsden netted the goal of the game to give the Bantams a memorable consolation.

Newcastle deservedly had the final say though, as Potts nodded home from another set-play to ensure a 6-1 home win for her side.

Newcastle may have scored six goals, but Charlie Ramsden rightfully had a big grin on her face after scoring a superb consolation for the Bantams. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

Durham are six points clear at the summit, but only have one game left to play, whereas Newcastle have another three to go.

In the league above, the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, Lucy Sowerby scored for Brighouse Town as they earned an impressive, hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to leaders Nottingham Forest.

Brig have one league game left, at home to high-flying Wolverhampton Wanderers at Liversedge's Clayborn ground, and unless they win that, and Derby County lose both of their final two games, they will finish in fifth place.

Brighouse Women have also confirmed on social media that they are setting up a reserves and junior section ahead of the 2023/24 season.