Bristol City Women

[phantom]

41 minutes ago, cidered abroad said:

Is it the same dates for transfers in Women's football?

Yes but closed at 5pm

[shahanshahan]

13 hours ago, Hamdon Mart said:

3. She and Liverpool have mutually terminated her contract, making her a free agent and avaliable to sign for City. 

You were right!

 

[SinéadB]

Wow what a signing this is, so exciting. We are really trying to get over the line here.

Saw LLC signed Kyra Carusa too - the end of the season could be really thrilling.

[shahanshahan]

Seen a fair few updates on Twitter today:

The home game at Durham on Sunday 12th March has been brought forward to 2pm KO
The home game against London City Lionesses this Wednesday will have the HPC1 bus service running for FREE
The away game against London City Lionesses on Sunday 19th March has been selected for live FA Player coverage

[phantom]

[Hamdon Mart]

With her scoring record, she must be more of an attacking midfielder than a defensive one so maybe Lauren is going to play a CAM off Harrison/Hayles rather than three up top. 

The side certainly has better strength in depth this season, that's for sure. 

[miser]

1 hour ago, Hamdon Mart said:

With her scoring record, she must be more of an attacking midfielder than a defensive one so maybe Lauren is going to play a CAM off Harrison/Hayles rather than three up top. 

The side certainly has better strength in depth this season, that's for sure. 

In contrast,  I've hope she would be competition for Palmer/Syme. I think are area of weakness is centre midfield where we are reliant on those two.

[shahanshahan]

May have been missed with other announcements today, but Women's FA Cup ticket details confirmed...

Key notes:

The game is being played at the RHPC (and looks like it will stay there) on Sunday February 26th at 2pm

Season ticket holders get 24 hour priority for tickets when they go on sale Monday at 10am (online only)....

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ℹ-city-women-v-manchester-city-women-ticket-details/

[Erithacus]

Interesting to be at the HPC - but might it still switch to the Gate at a later stage? Will there be a limit to tickets if it is at the HPC, for both sets of supporters, as it will surely reach capacity?

[shahanshahan]

55 minutes ago, Erithacus said:

Interesting to be at the HPC - but might it still switch to the Gate at a later stage? Will there be a limit to tickets if it is at the HPC, for both sets of supporters, as it will surely reach capacity?

I don't expect it to, especially given that the Conti Cup fixture was already there. It'll be nice to see a full HPC sold out for the first time since there have been games there...

[shahanshahan]

Wrote a January round-up...

 

[phantom]

1 hour ago, Erithacus said:

Interesting to be at the HPC - but might it still switch to the Gate at a later stage? Will there be a limit to tickets if it is at the HPC, for both sets of supporters, as it will surely reach capacity?

I'd bet nobody knows what the capacity is? 

Is standing encouraged around the pitch perimeter? 

From footage it always loo like the only support are in the stand, unlike non league grounds of similar design where you would get people behind the goals and stood all around the pitch 

[shahanshahan]

Yep, supporters can stand around the sides of the pitch; I have definitely seen it from the view of standing in the stand.

[miser]

1 hour ago, shahanshahan said:

Yep, supporters can stand around the sides of the pitch; I have definitely seen it from the view of standing in the stand.

Currently allowed behind the left goal and on farside up to City dug out. Wasn't allowed beyond away dug out although I think this was a covid thing ,may be relaxed now. The other limiting factor is the toilet provision. I will forgo my pre match coffee if it's a capacity crowd.

[Lanterne Rouge]

2 hours ago, miser said:

Currently allowed behind the left goal and on farside up to City dug out. Wasn't allowed beyond away dug out although I think this was a covid thing ,may be relaxed now. The other limiting factor is the toilet provision. I will forgo my pre match coffee if it's a capacity crowd.

We could perhaps hire in some marquees and portaloos? There are some at another Bristol sporting venue not too far away.

They would of course need fumigation and a deep hygienic clean so perhaps the cost would be prohibitive.

[Erithacus]

6 hours ago, miser said:

I think this was a covid thing ,may be relaxed now

No, the stewards are still prohibiting fans from wandering behind the dug-outs or on the upper training pitch. I hope the club might be re-thinking the way they handle this game if the crowds are as big as we might achieve.

[shahanshahan]

Shania Hayles called up to replace Bunny Shaw in the Jamaica squad later this month for the Cup of Nations in Australia. Not sure why, but the two would face other in the FA Cup game a few days right after the international break...

 

[RedRock]

A rare opportunity to complete the Bristol Sport ‘set’ with the Rugby, Basketball and Men’s Football all winning so far this weekend. 

We may not be up to our ‘Boca’ neighbour’s standards, but good effort. 

[shahanshahan]

Rachel Furness is on the bench. Ffion Morgan returns from injury, also on the bench

 

[old_eastender]

Poor result today, now makes the London City Lionesses game a must win.

[shahanshahan]

5 minutes ago, old_eastender said:

Poor result today, now makes the London City Lionesses game a must win.

FT 0-0 for those that were wondering. Looked like a tight contest. Still, 4 points out of 6 from a City away weekend isn't bad.

I'll upload some photos when I'm back in Bristol, either tonight or in the week.

Got a long drive ahead of me!

[shahanshahan]

My photos from Sunday...

Pitch wasn't the best. Turnout from home fans was rather small. Myself & a couple other City fans made the most noise (when we did make it).
Most of the flags were hung in the stand, which is where the cameras were.
I then noticed there was black netting behind the dugout/benches, so moved my Bristol City/England flag just after kick off.

Nice to chat & get a photo with new signing Rachel Furness after the game. Spotted a few Liverpool fans who came to see her play as well, missing their game against Reading which was happening at the same time...

[phantom]

Big game tonight, fingers crossed for the right result as they seem to have hit a real blip recently

[cidered abroad]

Are you NTTDS in disguise?

[shahanshahan]

Liv Clark & Ella Powell called up to Wales squad for Pinatar Cup. Could face teammate Abi Harrison in the Wales v Scotland game!

 

[shahanshahan]

1 hour ago, cidered abroad said:

Are you NTTDS in disguise?

Only if I took more pictures of bins...

[shahanshahan]

Grace Clinton named in England U23 squad, while Naomi Layzell & Elysia Boddy in England U19 squad...

A few former City players in the U23 squad too...

 

[Erithacus]

Crucial game tonight. Let's see what the girls can do when the pressure is on.

COYR

[shahanshahan]

Grace Clinton returns from injury.

Rachel Furness could make her home debut tonight.

Game is live on FA Player for those that can't make it to the RHPC

 

[phantom]

Shania Hayles puts the home side into the lead against the run of play, great pass from Aimee Palmer to find her 

[phantom]

1-1 after 42

Free kick from out wide flicked over everyone into the back of the net

[elhombrecito]

2-1

[phantom]

Just now, elhombrecito said:

2-1

Weak clearance from the keeper and Clinton heads home 

[elhombrecito]

3-1

[phantom]

Just now, elhombrecito said:

3-1

Brilliant ball in from the right from Harrison, finds Ffion Morgan wrong footed at the back post but untangles her feet to poke home 

[elhombrecito]

3-1, final score.

Fantastic result

[RedRock]

Nice win. Patchy performance for me, some very good, some bad. 

Harrison put a shift in and great crosses. Good keeping as well.

Don't think we can afford many more slip-ups results wise as London looked pretty fluent and on another day could have grabbed a point, if not three.

[phantom]

Changes made at half time made the difference, we gave the ball away far too easily in the first half and we were getting over ran in midfield in the first half 

Some great defensive play, throwing their bodies on the line and some of the saves from Fran Bentley were outstanding 

The return fixture in a few weeks will be very interesting 

[cidered abroad]

Well played City Ladies.

[bcdc]

Brilliant! Well done girls!

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, phantom said:

Shania Hayles puts the home side into the lead against the run of play, great pass from Aimee Palmer to find her 

Trundle-esque I thought.

1 hour ago, phantom said:

Weak clearance from the keeper and Clinton heads home 

Brave header.

First half, why we tried playing out via the wingbacks god only knows. London easily pressed it and the likes of Syme and Palmer (who was my POTM) were receiving what little they got facing towards their own goal.  Second half we went a bit more direct, and then we got Palmer on the ball facing forward.  We had a good spell as we scored both the goals, and then Fran Bentley made a couple of great saves.  Here’s one.

 

[miser]

Frustrating first half played on the back foot. Need to address how we played out from the back. Too deep and too slow resulting in all options being closed down by London. Second half much improved and a deserved win come the end. Cracking atmosphere amongst a slightly disappointing crowd.

[Jerseybean]

Good win 3-1 

[shahanshahan]

What a night! Got back home recently. I don't know if it made the live footage, but as part of my celebration for Ffion Morgan's goal I ran down from one side of the RHPC stand to the other, then ran(?) back. Was out of breath soon after that...

[shahanshahan]

37 minutes ago, miser said:

Cracking atmosphere amongst a slightly disappointing crowd.

Looking forward to watching it back on the FA Player to see how loud we were!

Don't think the actual attendance was announced in the end. I'd expect it was smaller than when the game was meant to be played, due to it being midweek for example...

[Hamdon Mart]

Just now, shahanshahan said:

Looking forward to watching it back on the FA Player to see how loud we were!

Don't think the actual attendance was announced in the end. I'd expect it was smaller than when the game was meant to be played, due to it being midweek for example...

It was 726, Shahan.

[Erithacus]

Buzzing! First up: it'a a win, and that's the important thing. Puts us level with the Lionesses but a game in hand, and now means we have control over the rest of the season. A long way to go, yes, but it's ours to win, providing we keep it up.

Great result, based on a great team performance. The visitors were all over us for the first 10-15 minutes with their high tempo and high press - just what we would have been expecting. Having weathered the opening storm well, we didn't really have much impact on the game for most of the first half. As mentioned above, we had difficulty in getting the ball forwards with any consistency and were rather on the back foot. However, goals change games and Shania Hayles proved what a talent she is with a beautifully taken goal just before the break - in truth perhaps against the run of play. I was impressed by London City. They had a solid gameplan and were well prepared; their players were certainly talented but were a cohesive team first and foremost. If they do end up topping the Championship come the end then I fully expect them to survive for the season.

Second half saw a better formation and application of the gameplan; that, combined with City girls putting in a harder shift than London City brought a more positive emphasis. I feel our fitness shows more as the game goes on and gives us an edge when the clock runs down. But tonight we showed a toughness and determination that proves how the club has progressed in recent years. This is a good side and has plenty of talent and reslience. Things that will be needed at the top level.

There wasn't a City player who didn't have a good game, from top to bottom. Loads of really solid defending, especially from Layzell (who I think has improved immensely this season); Fran Bentley had few shots to worry about once the back line had blocked most attempts, but was in top form to prevent any comeback. Midfield was a little congested and there was precious little time to stroll about; Aimee Palmer showed she has all-round talent with her powerful runs forward as well as some crunching tackles (I bet she really enjoyed the game). Syme was a bit outnumbered initially but came on strong in the second half, once the distribution changed.

Front play was difficult in the first half and chances few. The visitors had clearly done their homework and closed Hayles and Harrison down, but moreover suffocating the midfield quickly. They had to create some width themselves at times. But Harrison's crosses in the second half proved key, with City taking control of the game.

Rachel Furness came on as a late sub but showed some nice touches and vision - a real feather in our cap. She bolstered the middle and stopped much opposition creativity.

All in all I think it was the best game I've seen at the HPC. There was loads of effort, passion and a strength of character that I hope will define the rest of the season. Two top teams giving everything, it had just about everything and was what I call a credential game - to be the best, etc...

But it's all to play for. Tonight we've got the upper hand. Let's keep it, because I believe we have shown what it takes to return to the WSL.

[miser]

4 minutes ago, Hamdon Mart said:

It was 726, Shahan.

Decent, seemed a little quiet pre match, but much better once the game got going. There could be a little promotion fever growing.

[Davefevs]

10 minutes ago, Erithacus said:

Rachel Furness came on as a late sub but showed some nice touches and vision - a real feather in our cap. She bolstered the middle and stopped much opposition creativity.

 

She wins a lot in the air from Bentley’s kicks.  If Hayles and Harrison can learn to read the direction, City should be able to spring quick attacks.

[old_eastender]

10 hours ago, miser said:

Frustrating first half played on the back foot. Need to address how we played out from the back. Too deep and too slow resulting in all options being closed down by London. Second half much improved and a deserved win come the end. Cracking atmosphere amongst a slightly disappointing crowd.

Yep, trying to play out via the wing backs played straight into London City hands with their high press, Much better going more direct 2nd half and hopefully a lesson learnt for the rematch coming up soon. 

[Hamdon Mart]

13 hours ago, Erithacus said:

Buzzing! First up: it'a a win, and that's the important thing. Puts us level with the Lionesses but a game in hand, and now means we have control over the rest of the season. A long way to go, yes, but it's ours to win, providing we keep it up.

Great result, based on a great team performance. The visitors were all over us for the first 10-15 minutes with their high tempo and high press - just what we would have been expecting. Having weathered the opening storm well, we didn't really have much impact on the game for most of the first half. As mentioned above, we had difficulty in getting the ball forwards with any consistency and were rather on the back foot. However, goals change games and Shania Hayles proved what a talent she is with a beautifully taken goal just before the break - in truth perhaps against the run of play. I was impressed by London City. They had a solid gameplan and were well prepared; their players were certainly talented but were a cohesive team first and foremost. If they do end up topping the Championship come the end then I fully expect them to survive for the season.

Second half saw a better formation and application of the gameplan; that, combined with City girls putting in a harder shift than London City brought a more positive emphasis. I feel our fitness shows more as the game goes on and gives us an edge when the clock runs down. But tonight we showed a toughness and determination that proves how the club has progressed in recent years. This is a good side and has plenty of talent and reslience. Things that will be needed at the top level.

There wasn't a City player who didn't have a good game, from top to bottom. Loads of really solid defending, especially from Layzell (who I think has improved immensely this season); Fran Bentley had few shots to worry about once the back line had blocked most attempts, but was in top form to prevent any comeback. Midfield was a little congested and there was precious little time to stroll about; Aimee Palmer showed she has all-round talent with her powerful runs forward as well as some crunching tackles (I bet she really enjoyed the game). Syme was a bit outnumbered initially but came on strong in the second half, once the distribution changed.

Front play was difficult in the first half and chances few. The visitors had clearly done their homework and closed Hayles and Harrison down, but moreover suffocating the midfield quickly. They had to create some width themselves at times. But Harrison's crosses in the second half proved key, with City taking control of the game.

Rachel Furness came on as a late sub but showed some nice touches and vision - a real feather in our cap. She bolstered the middle and stopped much opposition creativity.

All in all I think it was the best game I've seen at the HPC. There was loads of effort, passion and a strength of character that I hope will define the rest of the season. Two top teams giving everything, it had just about everything and was what I call a credential game - to be the best, etc...

But it's all to play for. Tonight we've got the upper hand. Let's keep it, because I believe we have shown what it takes to return to the WSL.

An excellent summary if I may so, E.  I'd add a few of my own thoughts...

Think there was a tweak in formation last night with Grace Clinton playing deeper rather than alongside Abi Harrison and Shania Hayles which in itself made the midfield area more congested with a five in there rather than the usual four. Any tweak will take a little while to get used to but eventually we got there last night.

Emily Syme was superb last night, she stepped up. Aimee Palmer is usually consistently very good but Em raised her level last night a notch or two.

Rachel Furness is a great signing. Her record speaks for itself and is exactly the sort of player City needed as the right time. In her 20-25 minutes last night, she could have scored twice; against less organised teams, she could be a real attacking force.

As have been Gracie Pearse and Grace Clinton, Lauren has been impressive in the transfer market and at last, I feel City have strength in depth. 

Finally, the tired old cliche of the best teams winning when they aren't playing at their usual level? I'll happily use that here... against Coventry, the girls were dead and buried and struck twice in stoppage time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Against London last night, they thwacked them with two goals in five minutes after half time and had scored the first against the run of play, as Erithacus states correctly. This team are finding the habit of winning when they maybe shouldn't; make no mistake, last season they would have lost that game for sure.

COYR.

 

[shahanshahan]

5 hours ago, old_eastender said:

Hopefully a lesson learnt for the rematch coming up soon. 

March 19th is the rescheduled away game, which now falls on the rescheduled men's game away at Swansea!

[shahanshahan]

Last week Vicky Bruce appeared on the US-based podcast Straight Like That, talking about her playing career all over the world, playing during COVID, being eligible to play for Scotland, being in Bristol + more

Episode also available on Spotify

 

[myol'man]

@shahanshahan

This guy has to be the womens team Supporter of the Year surely? 

[phantom]

1 hour ago, myol'man said:

@shahanshahan

This guy has to be the womens team Supporter of the Year surely? 

and the person who takes all the photos of him lol

[Davefevs]

49 minutes ago, phantom said:

and the person who takes all the photos of him

Got his own Pappz

Edited February 9, 2023 by Davefevs

[shahanshahan]

4 hours ago, myol'man said:

@shahanshahan

This guy has to be the womens team Supporter of the Year surely? 

Thank you!

But as I'm aware, the Supporter of the Year award is just the one covers all supporters. If the Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust do decide to introduce one for the women's team supporters, there are other supporters like me (who aren't on OTIB) that probably deserve it too...

[cidered abroad]

7 hours ago, Hamdon Mart said:

An excellent summary if I may so, E.  I'd add a few of my own thoughts...

Think there was a tweak in formation last night with Grace Clinton playing deeper rather than alongside Abi Harrison and Shania Hayles which in itself made the midfield area more congested with a five in there rather than the usual four. Any tweak will take a little while to get used to but eventually we got there last night.

Emily Syme was superb last night, she stepped up. Aimee Palmer is usually consistently very good but Em raised her level last night a notch or two.

Rachel Furness is a great signing. Her record speaks for itself and is exactly the sort of player City needed as the right time. In her 20-25 minutes last night, she could have scored twice; against less organised teams, she could be a real attacking force.

As have been Gracie Pearse and Grace Clinton, Lauren has been impressive in the transfer market and at last, I feel City have strength in depth. 

Finally, the tired old cliche of the best teams winning when they aren't playing at their usual level? I'll happily use that here... against Coventry, the girls were dead and buried and struck twice in stoppage time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Against London last night, they thwacked them with two goals in five minutes after half time and had scored the first against the run of play, as Erithacus states correctly. This team are finding the habit of winning when they maybe shouldn't; make no mistake, last season they would have lost that game for sure.

COYR.

 

The City women are totally different to the males of City history.

Bristol City have been experts throughout my decades of support of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

[shahanshahan]

Unexpected but brilliant scene from last night. I was lucky enough to film one of these videos...

 

[phantom]

My only concern is over celebrating a bit too much, we all know what happened to Swindon 

[Erithacus]

Indeed, Phantom. It did cross my mind that the opposition were still in their dugout whilst we were whooping it up. Not a problem to celebrate but needs to be with respect or else it could rebound next month. I expect that the Lewes game next Sunday will not be a case of after the Lord Mayor's show - we can't drop our guard now.

[shahanshahan]

23 hours ago, phantom said:

My only concern is over celebrating a bit too much, we all know what happened to Swindon 

I was going to share a video & photo from my Twitter that someone filmed of me celebrating after Ffion Morgan's goal (City's third) on Wednesday, but based on this wording - I'll just provide a link instead 

Rest assured I definitely won't celebrate like that for the rest of the season (not until any promotion at the end)

As for the Swindon reference, you may have to remind me - the only experience I have in my lifetime as a City fan was during the Cotterill years in League One (Flint said no, no, no etc)

[miser]

1 hour ago, shahanshahan said:

As for the Swindon reference, you may have to remind me - the only experience I have in my lifetime as a City fan was during the Cotterill years in League One (Flint said no, no, no etc)

Promotion season undr Cotterill away at Swindon in autumn. Swindon won 1-0 after we had a man sent off. They celebrated as though they had won the league. 

[phantom]

7 hours ago, shahanshahan said:

I was going to share a video & photo from my Twitter that someone filmed of me celebrating after Ffion Morgan's goal (City's third) on Wednesday, but based on this wording - I'll just provide a link instead 

Rest assured I definitely won't celebrate like that for the rest of the season (not until any promotion at the end)

As for the Swindon reference, you may have to remind me - the only experience I have in my lifetime as a City fan was during the Cotterill years in League One (Flint said no, no, no etc)

Nothing wrong with supporters enjoying and celebrating the magnificent result and performance, I'm just not a fan of players doing it so openly (in the dressing room no problem) 

We've given London their team talk now 

[Port Said Red]

Judging by the highlights, those goalkeeping sessions with the men's team are really paying off for Fran Bentley, some terrific reaction saves. 

We do look physically stronger all round this year, it did look girls against women for large parts of last season.

[old_eastender]

2 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

Judging by the highlights, those goalkeeping sessions with the men's team are really paying off for Fran Bentley, some terrific reaction saves. 

We do look physically stronger all round this year, it did look girls against women for large parts of last season.

I made it 7 good saves from Bentley, which perhaps shows the overall dominance London City had, but we took our chances. Now have to keep it up starting with a win against Lewes tomorrow.

[Davefevs]

 

[shahanshahan]

22 hours ago, miser said:

Promotion season undr Cotterill away at Swindon in autumn. Swindon won 1-0 after we had a man sent off. They celebrated as though they had won the league. 

Ah yes, fair enough! How could I forget 

[shahanshahan]

15 hours ago, phantom said:

Nothing wrong with supporters enjoying and celebrating the magnificent result and performance, I'm just not a fan of players doing it so openly (in the dressing room no problem) 

We've given London their team talk now 

Fair enough! I was tempted to do London City away in March, so would wonder what the atmosphere would be like...

[shahanshahan]

For those in attendance at the Norwich game yesterday, did anyone hear Downsy mention at half time about two players from the original Bristol City Ladies who had formed 50 years ago? I was on the concourse & drinking so couldn't go back to my seat to see it.

To be honest, I wasn't even aware there was a City Ladies team back in the 70s. Was aware of a team in the 90s/2000s, but I know that the current team now is what used to be Bristol Academy, and Bristol Rovers before that - when formed in 1998