BRADFORD News were unable to follow up last week's 6-0 win over Melksham Motor Spares in the Premier Division.

With Russell Francis away in Dublin playing bowls for England the Newsmen lacked firepower as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to All Cannings A, a win which sees the newly promoted side head the table.

Bradford opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Charlie Powell whose 25-yard free kick crept home despite the best efforts of Cannings goalkeeper Dan Appleton who managed to get a hand to the fiercely struck drive but was unable to prevent it from entering the net.

All Cannings equalised in the 15th minute through Nick Oram, who was playing in his first match for over a year since recently returning from Australia.

Oram cut inside from the left before chipping over Bill McCaffery in Bradford's goal. Midway through the half Bradford's keeper McCaffery was at fault as Oram gave Cannings the lead.

McCaffery raced out of his area but was rounded with ease by the forward before tucking the ball into the empty net.

The Newsmen pressed forward looking for an equaliser and both Darren Morris and Powell had half chances but their efforts caused few problems for keeper Appleton. The second period was a none event with neither team creating any chances worth a mention.

On the plus side for Bradford News they showed that they are prepared to battle for the whole 90 minutes, unlike in previous seasons, and with Russell Francis, George Hulbert and Stuart Roach to come back into the team they are unlikely to be involved in the relegation dogfight come next May.