Football / News
Vixens vie for semi-finals
Bristol Academy WFC are ready to overcome substantial odds to progress in their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Frankfurt.
Following a fixture reversal, the German giants come to Ashton Gate on Saturday, March 21 (kick-off 2pm,) with the tie’s second leg on Sunday, March 29.
Frankfurt are the competition’s most successful team, three-time winners and twice runners-up and sit third in the Women’s Bundesliga with 13 wins and a draw from their 17 matches this season.
is needed now More than ever
In contrast, the Vixens have not played competitively since their impressive last-16 victory over Barcelona in November.
That glorious Ashton Gate night marked the end of their 2014 campaign, and over the close season seven players have left and five arrived.
Club and team captain Grace McCatty said: “Since the Barcelona game we have had our off-season period and pre-season and the ties against Frankfurt will signal the start of a new domestic season. It has been a case of building new momentum which has been possible through the work done on the training pitch and in our pre-season friendlies, a 1-0 victory over Reading FC Women and a 4-0 win over Aston Villa Ladies.
“Due to players being away on international duties (Wales, Scotland and England U23s) the squad has been limited in numbers at points so the majority of work has been done on the training field.”
If a shootout is necessary at the end of two legs, Grace has faith in her women.
“Ever since we entered the competition penalties have become a regular part of our training sessions as we prepare for all eventualities. These will always be done at the end of the session when we are tired to replicate the game scenario as closely as possible. Should the quarter-final tie get this far I am confident we will successfully convert our chances from the penalty spot.”
Grace will beware homecoming Jess Fishlock, a former Bristol Academy player and ex-Wales captain now with Seattle Reign but on loan at Frankfurt, with attacking Spanish midfielder Veronica Boquete also likely to pose a threat.
The club is hoping to draw an attendance at least as large as the 2,457 crowd which witnessed victory over Barcelona, with a very dedicated core of fans with flights already booked for the second leg.
Tickets: adults £10, seniors / under 22 £5, children £1
For tickets and more information, visit www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk
Read our interview with Bristol Academy Centre of Excellence manager Mark Humphrey.
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