Another win. Another clean sheet for Ladies 3s

An evenly contested first half was played out in appalling weather against a much improved Bradford team.

Halifax had a new look forward line with Lydia Robinson, promoted from the fourth team holding the ball up well and producing some good crosses. The other replacement, Emma Clarkson, showed she has lost none of her ability to be in the right place at the right time, giving Halifax the lead after 15 minutes when the ball broke to her a few yards out.

Jess Stott and Alison McManus snuffed out Bradfords attacking play and on the occasions they tested Kiera Hayman in the Halifax goal they found her on top form.

After the half time tactic talk Halifax took control of the game with Cara James being instrumental in her new centre midfield role. Nicola Boutlon, Gypsy Goldthorpe and Sharon Crawshaw had disciplined games in front of the back two and Robyn Fawkes started to influence the game more, causing Bradford problems with her pace and close control.

Sara Woodhead caused confusion among the Bradford defence after driving in from the right and crossing into the danger area. Clarkson was on hand again to prosper, getting the last touch as the ball was forced across the line for Halifax’s second goal.

Bradford caused one or two scares late in the game but with the aide of the cross bar Halifax kept another clean sheet.