Farsley Celtic Women’s return to the West Riding Premier Division has brought with it a return to the Adobe Women’s FA Cup and there was plenty of optimism for Farsley Celtic after a big win in the first qualifying round and two strong performances in the league before today’s visit to Bradford City to take on a side a couple of leagues above Farsley.

There was no underestimating the level of the challenge up against Farsley but with a strong side named by Izzy Roads and Connor Cowan, there was every reason to believe the team could pull off a famous victory and progress to the next qualifying round.

In the early stages Bradford showed why they are playing two leagues above Farsley and had control of possession, while their strong pressing kept us under high pressure. Two goals duly followed but there was no dropping of heads for Farsley who kept faith in their tactical system to get them back into the game.

As the game neared half time a free kick was conceded by Bradford in prime Lauren Rigby territory. The Farsley bench quickly predicted what was to come as Rigby curled a free kick past the goalkeeper and pulled one back for Farsley. It was a wonderful strike (check out the Women’s Team social media channels to see it!), and continues Rigby’s habit of only scoring wonder goals.

With the final play of the first half, Millie Washington raced clear down the left wing at rapid speed and hit a sweetly struck effort past the Bradford goalkeeper to level the game at the break. Washington’s form at the start of the season has been brilliant and there is plenty more to come from the new signing.

The second half started with Farsley feeling confident and playing their natural game. Another good break down the left wing resulted in the ball being pulled back to Rigby on the edge of the area and she unleashed another brilliant effort which found the top corner of the net to give us the lead for the first time at 3-2.

At this point Bradford really started to dig deep and ultimately that experience at a higher level paid off as they scored two close range efforts and despite the hard work of the Farsley players we were unable to pull it level and take the game to penalties.

So the FA Cup adventure might be over for this season, but the football never stops as we are back in Premier Division action this weekend away to Sherburn White Rose. See you there Celts!