A long 6 months have passed since the Women’s first team last played a game.

Excitement and anticipation was high for both players and spectators, and it showed in our team’s performance for much of the first half. Understandably the team were a little off the pace, and equally keen to impress, but it was the visitors who took control of things, scoring a goal after 9 minutes, and then a second 15 minutes later. By this time West had lost Biff to a foot injury, and things were looking a little bleak.

Thankfully the last five minutes or so of the first half did see an improvement in West’s play, finally managing to string a few passes together and seeing more of the ball in Bradford’s half. Frisby forced a decent save on 42 minutes, but it was as close as West game to a goal before half-time.

H-T: 0-2

The break provided the perfect opportunity for the coaching team and players to address the issues of the first half, and put in place a revised plan of attack for the second. A change to 3 at the back, and a few changes in personnel – Biff had recovered and was back in defence. Kye and Alex also came on, with Beth, Leah and VK making way.

It didn’t take long for the changes to have an impact. Excellent work by Taylor Gunn putting debutant Safron Newhouse through – she coolly rounded the keeper and slotted home. West back in it, and almost immediately level – an excellent shot from Biff with the outside of her right boot headed just wide.

West were continuing to plug away and also keeping Bradford at bay, but few clear cut chances came our way. Caddy picked up a knock just after the half hour mark, VK coming back on, and Frisby made way for Amy Vyas on 68.

West’s pressure slowly began to tell – a decent move on 72 minutes saw Taylor and Saff linking up again, a subsequent corner coming to nothing. Two minutes later they combine again, Saff’s shot rolling agonisingly wide.

Finally the equaliser did come – 84 minutes and a first goal in a West shirt for Taylor Gunn, put in on goal by Hannah Mitchell. There were “murmurs” of discontent from the away bench but to no avail. West level at 2-2.

The winner came just as we moved into the last minute of normal time. Taylor Gunn firing home again amidst much jubilation. A long time without a game, such a good feeling to be back with a win!

Full-Time: West Women 3-2 Bradford City Women

Team: Jefferson (GK), Dolan (Brown 45′), Livesey (Trialist 18′), Caddick (Kerr 62′), Corris (Francis 45′), Foster, Frisby (Vyas 68′), Kerr (Livesey 45′), Mitchell, Gunn, Newhouse

Goalscores: Gunn(2), Newhouse

Players’ Player of the Match: Taylor Gunn