Bradford City Women fell to a 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the FA Women’s National League Division One North at St. James' Park this afternoon.
Goals from Beth Guy and Charlotte Potts put the Magpies in the driving seat in the first half, before both defenders doubled their tally for the day in the second period.
Rachel Lee and Georgia Gibson also netted, with Charlie Ramsden pulling one back for the Bantams in front of a bumper crowd of over 24,000 in the North East.
Newcastle began the encounter with the majority of the possession, as the home side looked to create early on with chances that forced saves from Tiffany Whelan in goal for City.
Kacie Elson proved to be Toon’s main threat in the first half as she troubled Whelan once again, forcing a save that rolled away for a corner kick, just after 20 minutes.
The resulting corner led to the opening goal, as the Magpies broke the deadlock with a header from Beth Guy inside the six-yard box.
Newcastle doubled their advantage as Gibson got her second assist, once again from a set-piece, this time finding the head of full-back Potts.
The conclusion of the first half saw Gibson work the Bantams' defensive line on numerous occasions, but City held firm and finished the first 45 minutes two goals down.
The hosts started the half where they left off, adding to their advantage through Gibson, who slotted home the rebound after seeing her initial attempt stopped by Whelan.
Minutes later, Newcastle netted their fourth from the spot as Elson was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area. Lee stepped up, and sent Whelan the wrong way.
The hosts were well on top and added a fifth goal, moments later. A free-kick was whipped in by Potts, and met by Guy who nodded home her second of the day.
The Bantams grabbed a late consolation 10 minutes from time, getting themselves on the scoresheet in remarkable fashion.
Charlie Ramsden stood over a direct free-kick wide of the penalty area, and caught out Grace Donnelly to reduce the deficit.
Newcastle restored their five-goal advantage, however, minutes later, as Potts nodded home the game’s concluding goal.
City’s women headed back to West Yorkshire empty-handed, as they look ahead to the final game of the season at home to today’s hosts.
NEWCASTLE: Donnelly (GK), Potts, Guy, Bailes, Barker (Nelson 64'), Gibson (Ferguson 85'), Elson (Owens 64'), Skelton, Soulsby (Milne-Redhead 85'), Burt, Lee. Subs not used: Reid (GK).
GOALS: Guy (22’, 72’), Potts (29’, 85’), Gibson (54’), Lee (58’).
CITY: Whelan (GK), Harris (Prothero 67’), Woodcock, Jakeman, Stuart, Norde, Parnham (Jacobs 60’), Stube, Martins, Davies (Markey 46’), Ramsden. Subs not used: Kirkham (GK), Trickett.
GOALS: Ramsden (81’).