Swirling

The Women’s National League got underway for the season today. Bradford City have been rebuilding a squad over the summer after failing to gain a single point in their 18/19 league campaign. Relegation to Division One North (Tier 4) means there will be a number of local derbies in the season ahead, including against Leeds United, but today’s visitors were Durham Cestria, the development squad of Tier 2 Durham. Cestria had been promoted undefeated last season.

The wind was swirling which made conditions challenging for both teams, but City seemed to make the most of it, scoring two first half goals after the Durham defence had struggled to deal with long balls. A third followed, completing a hat-trick for City number nine Falone Sumaili. With around ten minutes to go Durham got one back, and then another shortly after which led to a tense last few minutes, but City held on for a 3-2 win, their first league victory since the 17/18 season.

City Women play their home games at Eccleshill United’s ground. Although I’ve visited a number of times before I think that’s always been for evening fixtures. For that reason I think I’ve always missed this view of the distinctive Wrose Hill masts rising above the ground. These are a major landmark in Bradford and Airedale, but I usually view, and blip them from the other side of the valley.

I have few more images from the match over on Twitter.