(Photography credit: Alex Daniel - alexdanielphotos.co.uk)
Bradford City Women were victorious over Leeds United Women, winning 1-0 under the lights at the Utilita Energy Stadium.
A first-half goal from Sophie Hawkins was enough to secure all three points for Chris Hames' side in the FA Women’s National League North.
The first chance of the game fell the Bantams' way, when defender Zoe Roberts whipped the ball in from a free-kick, which led to striker Keegan Lambert’s header dipping narrowly over the bar.
It was not long before the away side then had their first opportunity. Defender Olivia Smart’s cross was met by striker Laura Bartup’s header which was well collected by City goalkeeper Hannah Richards.
In the 17th minute, midfielder Abbie Brown embarked on an enterprising solo run for Leeds but her effort from the edge of the area was saved by Richards.
Midfielder Rebecca Hunt came then close to putting the visitors ahead on the half-hour mark after her strike from distance curled wide.
Only a few minutes later, Hawkins found space on the edge of the box for the Bantams to get a shot away, but her effort was just wide of the target.
In the 37th minute, though, Hawkins put City ahead after winning the ball back high up the field.
The forward raced through on goal and calmly slotted in off the post when one on one, to give her side the lead going into the break.
In the 50th minute, Brown almost equalised for the visitors as a shot skimmed wide of the post, and Leeds continued to pile on pressure.
Bartup struck the bar with a powerful effort with just minutes to go, but City held on in the closing stages with some heroic, resilient defending enabling them to keep United's unrelenting pressure at bay and emerge victorious.
CITY: Hannah Richards, Caitlyn Douglas, Katy Woodcock ©, Charlotte Stuart, Maisie Norde, Keegan Lambert (Harriet Jakeman 62’), Sophie Hawkins (Charlotte Gill 73’), Amy-Leigh Barringham-Beck, Ellie Russell, Monika Stube (Elanna Prothero 77’), Zoe Roberts. SUBS (not used): Skye Kirkham, Bethany Shepherd.
GOALS: Sophie Hawkins (37’).
LEEDS: Georgia Wattam, Rebecca Bass, Bridie Hannon, Catherine Hamil ©, Jodie Hunter, Sarah Danby, Abbie Brown, Rebecca Hunt, Olivia Smart, Paige Williams, Laura Bartup. SUBS: Lauren Joyce, Kirstie Hunt, Kathryn Smith, Kanisha Mae Underdown, Hannah Freibach.
REFEREE: Georgia Lyons.
ATTENDANCE: 540.