Fylde Ladies returned from West Yorkshire with all three points as they continued their impressive unbeaten start to the Women’s Premier League season.

Having suffered cup heartbreak against Bradford City Ladies earlier in the season, Fylde went into Sunday’s match looking for revenge. 

Conrad Prendergast’s side enjoyed success last time out, seeing off Burton Albion in the FAWPL Plate, however the manager made several changes with Hollie Kelsh making her full debut, whilst captain Danielle Young, Jenna Carroll and Hannah Forster all returned to the starting line-up.

Despite the cold, the Coasters started brightly, keeping the ball well in the early stages and showing glimpses of their goal threat. 

However, it was the hosts that struck first after just 13 minutes. Hanson did well to win a corner that was whipped by Roberts to player-manager Charlotte Stuart, who rose highest to nod past the Fylde stopper.

The goal sparked Bradford into life and they started to dominated, however Fylde pressure towards the end of the half began to show the cracks in the Bantams backline and Natasha Flint capitalised shortly before the break. 

A free-kick on the stroke of half-time fell kindly at the feet of Flint who gave the goalkeeper no chance with a vicious half volley.

After a sluggish opening to the second period, Bradford looked most likely to regain the lead but the Coasters defence was standing strong.

Prendergast made made two changes on the hour with Hannah Forster making way for Hannah Mitchell, whilst new signing Becky Abbott was handed her league debut in place of Leah Foster. 

Flint went close to claiming her second of the afternoon when she beat her marker on the edge of the Bradford box, but crashed her strike against the woodwork.

Debutant Kelsh was booked in the final ten minutes for obstructing a free kick in the middle of the park – but all was forgotten a moment later as the Coasters finally found the winner.

Kelsh attempted a clever ball in for Flint and whilst the host’s backline were alive to the danger, a poor clearance struck her own player and the ball landed for 17-year-old Sophie Charlton who lashed a strike home from 25 yards.

Club captain Danielle Young shared her thoughts on a positive result: “We knew coming into the game what we needed to do. Bradford were going to physical, but we did not stop trying. Every player took a tackle and did not shy away as we may have done in the past. We are delighted to come away with an important win.”