BRADFORD City Women’s stuttering start to the North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division continued on Sunday, but they did claim a creditable point at home to early high-flyers South Shields.

In a rollercoaster encounter at Horsfall, the Bantams took an early 2-0 lead, before two goals in two minutes towards the end of the first half made sure the sides went into the break all square.

The visitors took the lead on the hour mark, but City hit back, scoring from a late free kick to salvage a point from a thrilling 3-3 draw.

South Shields were on top in the opening stages, with Tiffany Whelan making a good save from Jasmine Elliot-Wood’s free kick.

But the Bantams grew into the first half as it wore on, and they took the lead on 20 minutes in fortunate circumstances.

Aaliyah Nolan had already been well kept out by Shields goalkeeper Scarlett Gowans but she got the better of her second time around, in fortunate circumstances.

Nolan’s shot was parried by the keeper on to her own defender, and it found the net for an own goal.

Ashley Townsend then blasted a strike over the bar for Shields, but instead Rebecca Hunt doubled City’s lead, producing a fine first-time finish after good link-up play with Maria McKenna.

Maria McKenna (right) set up City's second goal for Rebecca Hunt, after the pair had combined superbly.Maria McKenna (right) set up City's second goal for Rebecca Hunt, after the pair had combined superbly. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

But Sophie Greener and Becki McMahon looped near-identical efforts beyond Whelan into the top corner just moments apart, suddenly drawing the visitors level.

Monika Stube’s long-range effort forced a save out of Gowans right at the start of the second half but then Eve Gatens, Jennifer Wootten and Elliott-Wood all came close for Shields.

The pressure told, and the away side took the lead when Josie Foster’s great ball in was clinically headed home by Ashley Townsend.

But the Bantams levelled midway through the second half when Hannah Markey curled a beautiful free-kick into the top left-hand corner.

Gowans and Foster then somehow managed to keep out a double chance for Markey between them, before McMahon almost put Shields in front, only to hit the bar with a strike from the edge of the box.

Both sides came close to snatching a winner at the death.

First, Markey fired a shot across goal and agonisingly just wide of the far post, then Whelan made a brilliant stop with her outstretched leg to keep out Gatens.

The Bantams are in FA Cup action this Sunday, as they face Chesterfield away from home in the third qualifying round.