Bradford City Women’s relegation from the FA Women’s National League Division One North was confirmed with a 6-0 defeat to title-chasing Newcastle United Women at the University of Bradford Stadium.
First-half goals from Erin Nelson (2) and a wonder strike from Beth Guy - coupled with second-half strikes from Georgia Gibson (2) and Millie Bell - were enough to condemn City to defeat, and send the visitors top of the table on goal difference, heading into their final game.
Newcastle started the game brightly in front of over 1,000 supporters at Valley Parade, with Kacie Elson asking questions of the home defence from the left-hand side.
City grew in confidence, however, as Mia Jacobs volleyed Charlie Ramsden’s deep free-kick wide, before Charlotte Stuart sent a long-range effort whistling past the post.
It was the Magpies who hit the front on 18 minutes, though, as a ricochet saw the ball find its way through to Erin Nelson, who steered it past Skye Kirkham in the City net.
The visitors soon had two in spectacular fashion, as Beth Guy turned 35 yards from goal and hit an unstoppable effort flying into the top corner to give Newcastle breathing room.
City looked to regain composure, but Newcastle kept coming and, after forcing a few more smart stops from Kirkham, made it three as the interval approached. Nelson’s ball into the box looped over everyone, over the head of Kirkham and into the top corner, giving the visitors a commanding lead at the break.
The Bantams came back out for the second half looking to find a way back into the game. Harriet Jakeman saw an effort fly agonisingly wide of the post before substitute Ellie Prothero’s ball into the box was narrowly missed by Sandra Martins at the back post.
Newcastle went in search of more to strengthen their goal difference at the top end of the table, and found a fourth with five minutes left, as the ball was squared for Georgia Gibson who tapped home from close range.
The Toon kept coming forward as the game reached added time, with Millie Bell heading Gibson’s free-kick home at the front post to add a fifth, before the scoring was completed in the closing stages by Gibson hammering home another set piece from the edge of the area.
Defeat in their final outing of the season sees City’s relegation from the FA Women’s National League Division One North confirmed, while Newcastle go top of the league on goal difference, heading into their final game of the campaign next week.
CITY: Skye Kirkham; Harriet Jakeman, Maisie Norde, Katy Woodcock, Chynna Harris (Ellie Prothero 46’); Charlie Ramsden; Hannah Markey, Charlotte Stuart, Monika Stube (c); Sandra Martins; Mia Jacobs. Subs (not used): Tiffany Whelan (GK); Danni Trickett, Hollie Barraclough.
NEWCASTLE: Grace Donnelly (c); Charlotte Potts, Beth Guy, Erin Nelson (Anna Soulsby 78’), Freya Bailes; Georgia Gibson, Kacie Elson (Millie Bell 78’), Keira Skelton, Daisy Burt; Bianca Owens (Katie Barker 71’), Rachel Lee. Subs (not used): Ellen Packham, Cara Milne-Redhead.
GOALS: Nelson (18’, 40’), Guy (25’), Gibson (85', 90+3'), Bell (90').
ATTENDANCE: 1,006.