Football / Bristol City Women
Bristol City win first WSL match of season
The last time that Bristol City won a home match in the Women’s Super League was in March 2019. A lot has changed since then.
Playing in a new home stadium, under a new caretaker manager and still in the midst of a global pandemic, the Vixens’ 3-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion still sees them rooted to the foot of the WSL table.
But it will also give the team huge confidence going into Wednesday’s semi-final of the Continental Cup, where they face WSL 2 leaders Leicester City at Twerton Park.
is needed now More than ever
Two goals from Ebony Salmon and one from Yana Daniëls – scored after just three minutes with a spectacular effort from outside the box – saw City take a vital three points.
“Everyone was brilliant today and everyone was fighting for each other,” Daniëls said after the game, which saw Brighton’s Kayleigh Green sent off for a stamp on the Belgian striker in the 68th minute.
She added: “I think this result means a lot to us, for everyone. It’s been a hard season and a win is just a weight off our shoulders.
“Now we can focus on getting more points on the board. We want to stay up. We want to work for this club. And we want to just be here.”
Bristol City Women caretaker manager Matt Beard celebrates in the Twerton Park dugout – photo: JMP
City had previously conceded an average of more than four goals a game in the WSL this eason prior to this game, but on Saturday afternoon Sophie Baggaley had a quiet game between the sticks on her return to the starting lineup from self-isolation.
Temporary City boss Matt Beard’s side are now only two points behind Aston Villa and West Ham, with their next WSL game away against the Hammers – Beard’s old club – on February 7.
Main photo: JMP
Read more: Bristol batter Bath in record-breaking win
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