BRADFORD City Women’s five-year reign as West Riding County Cup champions was ended this week by Guiseley Vixens.

The Bantams were defeated 3-1 by their relegation-threatened local rivals, despite Ellie White’s ninth goal of the season giving them an early lead.

But after starting so well, White believes Guiseley’s equaliser just before half-time was the moment that changed the game.

“We didn’t deserve to concede on the stroke of half-time,” she said.

“In the first half we out-played them, but in the second half we just fell to pieces. Our heads were dropping and we couldn’t gain the momentum back to get back into the game.

“When we got that first goal everyone was in such high spirits, and towards the end of the game it was hard to see those heads go down.

“A defeat is always hard to take against a derby opponent, never mind the cup final.”

White’s superb strike from edge of the box had City on their way to a fifth successive title, as they dominated the first half.

But Emily Heckler drew Guiseley level on half-time, and they capitalised on their momentum with goals from Beth Stanfield and Olivia DaCosta to secure the trophy.

White added: “I feel like we had the fighting attitude, knowing we needed to get more goals, but they just didn’t come.”

The good news for City is that they don’t have to wait long for a shot at revenge. They welcome Guiseley on Wednesday night in the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division, hoping for a win that will leave the Vixens four points from safety with four games to go.

“We hate losing derby games, they’re always going to be hard games to take so we all need to take that disappointment and turn it into a positive mindset so we can come out winners next week,” White said.

“We had a lot of chances on Wednesday, but like we all say time and time again, we need to put them away.”