BRADFORD City Women have shot up to third in the North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division.

An impressive 2-0 win at Wallsend on Sunday, one of only two games in the division, allowed them to leap above Ponteland United and South Shields.

Aaliyah Nolan was the Bantams’ hero, as she netted twice in the first half to make the difference.

City had some good news to announce before the game, with Millie Washington signing from neighbours Farsley Celtic.

She was named on the bench for this fixture up in the North East, which began with both sides looking well-matched.

The Bantams started to get on top as the half wore on, with only Wallsend keeper Amelia Kirkup keeping them at bay.

But City have a striker of international quality in Nolan, who has won caps for Bermuda.

And she showed her class by beating the impressive Kirkup twice before the break to firmly give the Bantams the upper hand heading into the break.

The first was a well-crafted goal, Nolan finishing off an impressive team move, while her second came off the back of a set-piece.

Nicole Dack and Chloe Mark were Wallsend’s creative outlets and they became increasingly influential as the game wore on.

But brilliant defending throughout from City kept them at bay, meaning Erin Donachie and Michaela Sewell were starved of service up top.

With the buffer of Nolan’s goals to fall back on, the Bantams were happy to let the game fizzle out and secure a fine three points.

The win and clean sheet were a good way for City to prepare for their marquee FA Cup tie this Sunday.

The Bantams have beaten Farsley, Chesterfield and Preston North End so far this season to reach the second round, but this weekend will be by far their toughest test yet.

Charlotte Blythe looks to play a pass during City's FA Cup win at Chesterfield last month. Charlotte Blythe looks to play a pass during City's FA Cup win at Chesterfield last month. (Image: Max Lomas.)

They travel to face Burnley, who play two divisions above them in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

The Clarets currently sit four points off top spot after eight wins from their 10 league games so far, with a game in hand on the two sides above them, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.